Unmanned Systems Technology 020 | Alpha 800 I Additive Manufacturing focus I USVs insight I Pegasus GE70 I GuardBot I AUVSI Xponential 2018 show report I Solar Power focus I CUAV Expo Europe 2018 show report

80 That stems from our proprietary three- phase AC-to-DC power conversion architecture.” The company’s power conversion modules range from 1.5 to 16 kW. It has also started providing a series of frameless motors for easier integration into end-users’ motor housings. The ST (Superior Torque) series includes high- efficiency stators and rotors ranging in diameter from 0.5 to 12 in, and are capable of speeds of up to 120,000 rpm. “Housings for motors become a very specific and unique part of each system,” Nino explained. “Some end-users want their motor frame designed for them, and increasingly they have a clear idea of what they want in terms of torque, rpm and so on, and just need the heart of the motor designed to fit.” We profiled the Northwest UAV NW-44, a 44.2 cc single-cylinder two- stroke designed specifically for UAVs, in UST 6 (February/March 2016). Chris Harris told us that since early 2016 his workforce has increased from around 50 to just over 100 as business has boomed. New at Xponential was the NW-88, in effect a twin version of the NW-44 with the cylinders horizontally opposed and offset so that each can retain its own sealed crankcase. “The problem with typical boxer engines,” remarked Harris, “is that one cylinder can tend to steal as much as 70% of the total charge at various load conditions and altitudes, which makes it impossible to have an effective fuel injection system without isolating the cylinders. Our arrangement ensures an equal charge to each cylinder, which increases power, efficiency and reliability.” “The NW-88 is heavy-fuel-capable,” he said. “It is ideal for aircraft in the 70- 165 lb range. Rated at 7 hp at 7250 rpm maximum continuous speed, its total weight – including propeller, cowling and interface harness, ignition modules, generator control unit, ECU, engine vibration isolation and bulkhead mount – is 8800 g. The on-shaft permanent magnet generator provides 500 W continuous in all typical flight modes.” Emcore displayed its EN-300 IMU, which is designed as a ‘form, fit and functional’ replacement for the Northrop Grumman LN-200 IMU. The system has been in development for about 18 months, and the company recently sent its first units for flight testing with a prime defence customer. “We aimed to give improved performance using our patented FOG transceiver module, which integrates the light source and detector onto a 14-pin butterfly package,” said KK Wong. “That keeps the design compact, and the angular random walk is significantly improved over other FOG sensors. In addition, the bias is five to ten times better than the IMU it is replacing.” The EN-300 contains three FOGs, three MEMS accelerometers, and weighs 1.7 lb, while measuring 3.5 in across and 3.35 in tall. Typical power consumption is 10 W, and the system is connected via a 5 V power supply and RS-485 serial connector. Kray Technologies showcased its Kray Protection UAV, which is intended to be used as an unmanned crop duster for large-scale agriculture. It has a horizontal speed of up to 70 mph and a spraying altitude of about 3.5 ft. “In addition to using RTK GNSS, the system is capable of following the terrain using Lidar and optical cameras, which also enable precise altitude maintenance and collision avoidance,” said Guennady June/July 2018 | Unmanned Systems Technology Aveox’s DC motors are designed for easy integration Northwest’s new boxer twin