Unmanned Systems Technology 033 l SubSeaSail Gen6 USSV l Servo actuators focus l UAVs insight l Farnborough 2020 update l Transforma XDBOT l Strange Development REVolution l Radio telemetry focus

55 integrating data from multiple sources. The 200 kg AWHero has two separate payload bays and a useful load of 85 kg for carrying mission sensors such as maritime radar, EO/IR, SIGINT, Lidar and comms relays, at a maximum continuous speed of 90 knots (or 50 knots for cruising) and with 55 nautical mile range on its encrypted data link. UK-based rotary engine company Advanced Innovative Engineering (AIE), last featured with its 225CS in UST 7 (April/May 2016), spoke to us about its new 80S product, a multi-fuel Wankel engine displacing 80 cc. “The 80S is a single-rotor 15 hp, liquid- cooled twin-spark plug system, and needs no rotor change when switching between gasolines and kerosene jet fuels,” said Alex Vaughn. “With a compact size [120 x 191 x 250 mm] and a weight of 5.2 kg, this solution was developed for VTOL and fixed-wing platforms in direct drive or hybrid-electric configurations.” As well as high power density and low vibration being key targets (for missions oriented towards heavy payloads and long-range surveillance), the 80S uses AIE’s patented self-pressurised air rotor cooling system, for improving gas sealing at the axial ends of the Wankel’s apex seals. This results in greater engine operational efficiency and a lower workload for the rotor’s seal pack. “This unique closed-loop cooling technology for rotary engines uses thermal balancing and eliminates wet oil loss, for cleaner operation and increasing the life of the engine,” Vaughn added. “For hybridisation, the engine’s lowest specific fuel consumption is at its higher revs: greater efficiency at maximum continuous output makes it effective at recharging batteries on the vehicle.” The 80S also incorporates ceramic rotor seals, for durability and lower oil consumption than its forerunners. Its power-to-weight ratio has been further improved by integrating the external oil tank onto the non-drive side of the engine, which also serves to reduce packaging complexity, size and overall weight. SBG Systems has unveiled its third-generation series of Ellipse inertial navigation products, developed for increased reliability and size optimisation in GNSSs. As Helene Leplomb told us, “A new 64-bit software architecture in the third- generation family allows for more precise algorithms, which will improve the overall performance of all the Ellipses in many situations, such as when coupled with RTK-aiding.” Further improvements include new dual-band, quad-constellation GNSS receivers in the Ellipse-N and Ellipse-D for outputting centimetre-accurate measurements with RTK processing. The new Ellipse-D’s enclosure has also been downsized to 46 x 45 x 32 mm while maintaining the same power, accuracy and dual-antenna Farnborough Airshow 2020 | Update Unmanned Systems Technology | August/September 2020 The Falco Xplorer is Leonardo’s largest-ever UAV, with a MTOW of 1.3 tonnes. The aircraft is undergoing certification for flight in non-segregated airspace The 80S multi-fuel Wankel from AIE SBG Systems’ Ellipse inertial navigation units