Miami based UAV Turbines, Inc. (UAVT) has recently demonstrated a new generation of gas turbine engines designed for Group 3 and Group 4 ...
The company claims the multi fuel recuperated cycle variable pitch turbo prop engine family is fuel efficient as piston engines and can run on any available heavy fuel, rather than aviation gas.
The engine can start and restart, at greatly increased altitudes under Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).
Developed with a $20 million-plus investment, UAVT plans to produce fifteen engines in the 50 hp class initialy, and put them in the hands of selected major manufacturers of UAVs. Their feedback will be used to integrate engines with their airframes, and optimize operation.
Weighing about 65 pounds, the 50 hp engine have a Time Between Overhauls (TBO) of over 2000 hours and a operating ceiling 30,000 of feet.
The program will enable rapid trials of the new systems without the complications of joint development. The engines are to be available for evaluation in about 24 months.
The company has begun selection of appropriate candidates for evaluation of the engines.
UAVT management will be available to discuss the program at the Unmanned Vehicles 2015 conference in Atlanta, GA, May 5-7.
