Unmanned Systems Technology 009 | Ocean Aero Submaran S10 | Simulation and testing | Farnborough report | 3W-110xi b2 TS HFE FI | USVs | Data storage | Eurosatory/UGS 2016 report

48 T he 110 cc twin-cylinder boxer engine from 3W is a genuine multi-fuel spark ignited two- stroke. The tiny fuel-injected 3W-110xi b2 TS HFE FI runs on anything from gasoline through to JP5 and JP8 heavy fuel, with not even a change of mapping required when switching from one fuel to another. The engine’s multi-fuel capability is a function of 3W’s 35 years of experience of developing small displacement air- cooled two-stroke engines. It is also a function of innovative technologies such as exhaust heat warming for the incoming fuel and the crankcase. 3W was established 35 years ago to manufacture a 60 cc air-cooled two-stroke single for the model aircraft market. Over time, the company has developed larger displacements, progressing from single to horizontally opposed twin (in 1986), then to inline triple, horizontally opposed four and even horizontally opposed six, all the while though staying true to the concept of an air-cooled two-stroke. These days the 3W range embraces 28 cc to 85 cc singles, 56 cc to 370 cc twins, a 102 cc triple and 112 to 740 cc flat fours. In total the company offers more than 80 possible engine configurations, and when options such as generator type are taken into account, possible power system permutations are in four figures. It employs 20 staff at its base in Bad Homburg, near Frankfurt in Germany. Karsten Schudt is managing director, and company owner Dipl Ing Ian Bamsey charts the development of this air-cooled two-stroke, which runs unmodified on anything from gasoline to JP8 Multi-fuel mastery A genuine multi-fuel UAV engine: 3W’s110xib2 TS HFE FI August/September 2016 | Unmanned Systems Technology