Unmanned Systems Technology 011 | C-Astral Bramor ppX | IMUs | Autonomous farming | UAV Turbines UTP50R | London Show report | Advanced materials | Las Vegas Expo report

60 Dossier | UAV Turbines UTP50R 50 hp recuperated gas turbine starter/generator – we have sized that for what current UAVs require, but we can replace it with a larger, heavier unit if that is required for a specific application. “The upshot is that we can supply a propulsion system that is more powerful in terms of thrust and electrical energy than is normal in the 50 hp category, if that is what a customer wants. We suspect that is what the next generation of UAVs will require though.” Warshaw notes, “Many existing UAVs are failing for various reasons, most of which are related to the propulsion system. The fact is that UAVs generally need more reliable propulsion systems. “We think our product will be heavily in demand by the military for various applications. Also, the FAA is looking to what is acceptable to fly over populated areas – do you want a reciprocating engine that might fail, or a turbine? “There isn’t much to fail in a gas turbine. The only moving part is the rotating assembly, and it goes in one direction only – that is why it is so reliable. “Our engine is designed for 3000 hours between overhauls. The wear is first in the bearings. The gears are designed for 5000 hours, and even the static hot section should run for 10,000 hours between component replacements. “In terms of brake-specific fuel consumption, we are in the 0.4-0.5 lb/hp/h (240-300 g/(kW h) range. Compared to existing UAV internal combustion engines in a given vehicle, in terms of fuel efficiency we are in some instances the same, in other instances better. In particular, the higher we fly the better we get relative to conventional engines. That is inherent in the use of gas turbine technology. “We have a highly efficient propeller system and a highly efficient engine with the recuperator. We also have the efficiency advantages of our gearbox and electronic controls. Our engine is a significant step forward but we had to overcome a lot of challenges to obtain these gains,” Warshaw says. December/January 2017 | Unmanned Systems Technology Transmission test item from successful 100 hour endurance testing Transmission gears