Israeli manufacturers are ramping up development of small, unmanned aircraft powered by electric motors and, in at least one case, a hydrogen fuel cell. The UAS are for tactical use and feature advanced payloads and data links, and cover a range of altitudes.
Category Archives: Aircraft Propulsion & Energy
New Microwave Power Modules for UAS from TMD
TMD Technologies has introduced two new microwave power modules (MPMs) designed specifically for use with military data-links on UAS.
Strategic Alliance for UAS Heavy-Fuel Engines
Ricardo, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Ricardo plc, has announced the formation of a strategic business alliance with XRD Inc. and NW UAV to design, develop and manufacture a family of heavy-fuel engine solutions for unmanned systems.
US Air Force Contracts Elbit & Lockheed Martin to Develop Renewable Energy for Small UAS
Systems designers at Elbit Systems of America LLC in Fort Worth, Texas, and at Lockheed Martin Corp. in Eagan, Minn., will develop a green hybrid propulsion system running on renewable energy for small UAS as part of initial phase of the U.S. Air Force Small Unmanned Renewable enerGy long Endurance Vehicle (SURGE-V) programme.
Laser Power Beam on Display in Orlando
LaserMotive will be showcasing examples of its wireless power system for unmanned aircraft, including models of electric helicopters and aircraft, at the SPIE Defense, Security and Sensing Exhibition April 26-29 in Orlando, Florida.
AME Fury First Flight on Heavy Fuel
ADA Technologies Gets $750K to Develop Lithium-ion Batteries for Military UAS
ADA Technologies, Inc. has received a $750,000 contract from the U.S. Air Force for research on an innovative nano-material-enabled power system for use in small to micro Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Smart Bird – Bird Flight Deciphered by Festo
Stuttgart-based Festo claims to be inspired by nature, having deciphered bird flight with its Smart Bird. The ‘bird’ is highly aerodynamically efficient, even turning its head like real gulls do to refine aerobatic turns, and can take off and land by itself.