UAV Turbines is now ground testing its first-of-its-kind,
lightweight, high-performance microturbine propulsion system for small,
unmanned aircraft
MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–lt;a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/PropulsionSystems?src=hash” target=”_blank”gt;#PropulsionSystemslt;/agt;–UAV
Turbines, Inc. (UAVT), a pioneer of microturbine technology, today
announced the introduction of its Monarch RP family of microturbine
engines, the first engines that will provide defense and commercial
partners with reliable, quiet, and powerful propulsion systems. Designed
for Group 3 and 4 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), the Monarch engines
can run on heavy fuel of varying qualities. The Monarch RP has passed
all critical tests in the cell, working through its operating cycle
repeatedly, and for extended times. As a result, UAVT is now working
with a commercial airframe partner to conduct ground testing. The highly
anticipated line of microturbines will enable UAVs to operate more
efficiently, safely and reliably than when powered by other available
engines.
“After several years of intense effort, our talented team of engineers
has developed a complete, turnkey microturbine propulsion system for
Group 3 and 4 UAVs that is unique in both utility and function,” said
Kirk Warshaw, CEO of UAV Turbines. “Throughout the design process, we
focused on creating the world’s first reliable, lightweight,
high-performance microturbine engine for small aircraft that runs on
heavy fuel. As we have matured the design, we now recognize that a
microturbine in this category has limitless possibilities across the
propulsion spectrum.”
The unprecedented Monarch RP microturbine was carefully designed to
outperform conventional reciprocating engines in several ways:
-
Monarch RP will provide more time in the air and less time being
serviced on the ground with upwards of a 2,000 hour increase in
operation time between overhauls when compared to available Class 3
engines. -
Monarch RP’s variable pitch propeller will enable UAVs to climb faster
and reach greater dash speeds, enabling greater performance and
efficiency in both commercial and military aircraft. -
The reliability of Monarch RP eliminates the need for extra engines
for a single aircraft. -
The flexibility to run efficiently on all types of heavy fuels, such
as jet fuel, makes Monarch RP safer and more convenient than engines
running on volatile aviation gasoline. -
Monarch RP generates useful on-board electrical power that is 2-3x
greater than what is produced by conventional engines.
“The Monarch RP propulsion systems changes the game for unmanned flight,
said William T. “Tim” Crosby, MG (R) Chairman of UAVT’s Board of
Advisors. “The U.S. Military is in critical need of a reliable heavy
fuel engine that ensures our troops consistently have the support of
their UAVs when they need them. The successful evolution and testing of
the Monarch RP propulsion systems proves that reliability, added safety,
and efficiency is possible and will soon be available to the warfighter
in a variety of platforms.”
About UAV Turbines
UAV Turbines is creating the world’s first reliable, lightweight and
fuel efficient microturbine engines to provide propulsion and power
generation in small to medium-sized UAVs. The company’s Monarch RP
propulsion systems, will increase performance beyond what current engine
systems permit. Designed by UAV Turbines’ team of world-class engineers
and protected by multiple patents, Monarch RP propulsion systems run on
less-volatile heavy fuels and provide abundant on-board electrical
power. UAV Turbines’ first-of-its-kind engine is a reliable, quiet,
cost-effective option for both the defense and commercial sectors. In
2018, the company entered into a Technical Investment Agreement with the
U.S. Military for the development of a more efficient propulsion system,
a necessary component to the success and advancement of UAVs. Founded in
2014, privately owned UAV Turbines is headquartered in Miami. To learn
more, visit uavturbines.com.
Contacts
Brigid Gorham
BIGfish Communications for UAV Turbines
325.455.3152
[email protected]
