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61 UAV Factory UAV28-EFI | Dossier capability of low and high temperature operation. For high-temperature tests there’s the possibility to heat up the engine testing cell to +65 C.” Putnieks adds, “We have done more than 7600 hours of flight and cell testing with the UAV28-EFI engine. This has embraced lubrication tests, engine temperature tests, component mechanical tests, the use of different fuels and so on. We have learned a lot about the engine, and have developed a specific maintenance schedule based on that knowledge. “In addition to these tests in the cell, we have more than 3000 flight hours’ experience with this power unit. In essence, the engine is in continuous testing, all providing increased MTBF.” Putnieks reports that since 2014, UAV Factory has developed an even more sophisticated test cell that along with the control room is packaged into a 20 ft shipping container. The test cell is completely isolated from the control room, which has a window into it. Its operation is fully automated with various safety features to allow unattended endurance testing. The shipping container approach allows the cell to be duplicated and shipped to a customer, allowing them to test, troubleshoot and overhaul engines at their base without the need to send them back to Latvia. This facility is supported by access to software that permits the customer to analyse telemetry data and by training at UAV Factory for the customer’s technicians. UAV Factory also provides the support of a specialist, who ensures that all the processes and procedures are properly instigated. A number of customers have already taken this option, Putnieks says. Unmanned Systems Technology | April/May 2018 The fuel is lifted from the tank by an electric pump and is supplied via a regulator to the single solenoid injector at 2.5 bar. The injector driver is incorporated into the ECU, which also operates the single-plug CD ignition system. The ECU also operates the throttle butterfly, regulates the flap that allows cooling air into the ducting that surrounds the finned cylinder and controls the fuel supply pump. The full engine configuration, including the generator system, throttle body, air filter, silencer assembly and cooling package weighs 2200 g. The ECU weighs 170 g, the fuel pump 70 g. The engine core including silencer is 217 mm high and 235 mm long. Some key suppliers to this engine Head: in-house Big-end bearing: NTN SNR Main bearings: NTN SNR Ignition system: Desert Aircraft Spark plug: NGK Engine management system: in-house Sensors: in-house Data acquisition: in-house Electronics boards: in-house Wiring: in-house Throttle: in-house Generator: Maxon Motor Exhaust: in-house Intake manifold: in-house Air filter: in-house Fluid lines: Gates Corporation Wiring loom: in-house Propeller: APC propellers Design software: Dassault Systèmes Design software: SolidWorks Testing software: in-house Engine production at the UAV Factory in Latvia We have more than 3000 flight hours’ experience with this unit... it is in continuous testing, providing increased MTBF