Abstract: An efficient, high-volume fan producing a focused air flow comprises an electric motor having a central, segmented stator and a rotor with a set of permanent magnets and a back iron. The magnets are preferably rare-earth magnets such as neodymium magnets. The fan further features a plurality of lightweight blades, each blade comprising an airfoil cross section comprising a foam core that may be covered with a high tensile-strength skin or plastic coating. In the preferred embodiments, the high tensile-strength skin is an aluminum skin, and edges of the blades have edges are joined with a folded hem. The blades may have a windward tilt, and may be constructed so as to intentionally detach upon impact. The segmented stator, blade shape, and other aspects may be varied for different applications.