Researchers at the Escuela Politecnica Nacional in Ecuador have just published a paper which examines a formulation for the sizing of ducted fans for BLI configurations with a distributed propulsion system, based on the NASA X-48B. Continue reading
Category Archives: Aircraft Propulsion & Energy
First Australian Hydrogen Drone Flight
Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) has successfully completed the first flight of an Australian-developed hydrogen fuel cell electric powered VTOL drone. The flight test was achieved using AIR Hub’s innovative Small Hydrogen Aircraft Development & Evolution (SHADE) drone. Continue reading
L3Harris, US Navy to Develop Heavy Fuel Version of FVR-90 Drone
As the US Navy seeks to develop and field advanced unmanned systems, the Naval Air Systems Command’s Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program will look to the FVR-90 to continue VTOL experimentation and maturation efforts due to its tactical mobility and agility. Continue reading
China Tests New Rotary Detonation Engined Drone
A joint venture between Chongqing University Industrial Technology Research Institute and the Shenzhen-based private company Thrust-to-Weight Ratio Engine (TWR) has successfully tested a new rotating detonation engine (RDE) propelled drone. Conducted at an undisclosed location in Gansu province, China, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the RDE-engined drone could open the door for future drones with unparalleled speeds. Continue reading
How Birds Hover in Flight Inspires Next Generation of Energy-Saving Drones
Researchers, from Delft University in the Netherlands have devised the autonomous drone that uses its propellers 0.25 per cent of the time, compared to the 38 per cent required for a regular flight. Continue reading
Northwest UAV’S NW-230 Heavy-Fuel UAV Engine Commences Flight Operations
Northwest UAV has announced that its newest heavy-fuel UAV engine, the NW-230, has achieved first flight operations with an undisclosed customer. The flight was conducted on a hybrid vertical take-off and landing (HVTOL) UAV. Continue reading
LIQUIDPISTON Hybrid Power System Technology Gets $35M US Air Force Contract
LiquidPiston, an innovator of compact, efficient engine technology and hybrid power systems, announced that it has been awarded a three-year, $35 million contract to support hybrid power system development. Continue reading
Rheinmetall Canada and Quaze Unveil Revolutionary Wireless Drone Charging System
Rheinmetall Canada and Quaze have launched an innovative wireless charging solution for drones at DSEI 2023. The Drone Swarm Tactical OverWatch (DSTOW) module developed for Rheinmetall’s Mission Master UGV offers a unique solution enabling continuous, unattended and uninterrupted drone operations. Continue reading