Unmanned Systems Technology 019 | Navya Autonom Cab | Batteries | UGVs Insight | UAV Factory UAV28-EFI | Swiss Aerobotics Hummel | UMEX 2018 report | Antennas | Oceanology International 2018 report

55 Whereas the Penguin B is sold without a data link, autopilot or payload and is tailored for each specific application, the Penguin C development from it is a turnkey package, the customer only having to confirm the required payload. Whereas that lack of flexibility might be a drawback in some applications (and the B remains on sale) it does allow more complex packaging within the same basic architecture. That in turn allows additional features to be added, for example providing the scope to permit the development of a parachute landing system. Since we reported in depth on the Penguin C in 2014, UAV Factory has expanded significantly. It has opened a business development office in Bend, Oregon, USA, and has moved into a much larger headquarters in Latvia (at 1308 m 2 having three times the floor area). Now located near Riga airport, its workforce has grown from 39 to 61. At the same time the company’s remit has expanded to include development of its own tracking antenna and gimbal family through a product brand called Octopus ISR systems. UAV Factory has thus become a ‘one-stop shop’ for UAV technology, including its development of its original 28 cc engine. The core engine remains, modified as necessary to enhance performance – most particularly reliability – while all support systems, including fuelling, exhaust, cooling, control and sensors are the company’s own design and production. In fact, the Penguin C features an integrated propulsion unit, which includes a 6.5 litre fuel tank, fuel pump, engine, propeller, electrical generator and so on. Attached to the airframe by only four bolts, this powertrain module can be treated as a cartridge that can be swapped in and out, with only four bolts and one electrical connector to undo and re-fix. Elements of the Penguin C powertrain module including the engine are available to other UAV manufacturers from UAV Factory as required. UAV Factory also supplies engineering services as necessary to integrate the selected items with a customer’s airframe. Popiks says, “What is really important for any aircraft builder is not only the engine itself but the integration with their airframe and the validation of the installation. This is something that many aircraft builders overlook, so we offer not only the EFI engine but also engineering services to assist the customer in properly integrating it into their aircraft.” Overview Here we will describe the Penguin C module as a convenient overview of all the elements of UAV Factory’s UAV28- EFI power unit. This module operates in pusher mode, hence the propeller is at the rear of the crankshaft and the fuel supply system is located ahead of the engine. The core of the UAV28-EFI is a crankcase, barrel, crankshaft and con rod/piston assembly supplied by a third party. This assembly has been proven over decades and benefits from subtle refinements by UAV Factory in the course of a rigorous five-year, ongoing development programme aimed at increasing the mean time between failures (MTBF) of its entire UAV powertrain module. The engine sits with its cylinder upright and its crankshaft running on the longitudinal axis of the aircraft to directly drive the propeller behind. The crankcase is fed through a reed valve located at the front (in the direction of flight). The original engine is carburettor- equipped whereas UAV Factory has UAV Factory UAV28-EFI | Dossier Unmanned Systems Technology | April/May 2018 The UAV28-EFI engine is incorporated into the Penguin C power unit module