UAV powerplants

[mikewest]

I'm looking for a suitable powerplant for a small UAV (around 100 lb) for high altitude work, say 30000 - 40000 ft, as part of a design study. I'm currently favouring a 20 hp Limback, as this gives the required hp (~2hp) at altitude unsupercharged, and weighs about 15 lb. Does anyone know of a more suitable engine, or small superchargers / turbochargers which could fit the bill? (Supercharging a model aircraft engine may be an option).

 

[Bart]

Have you considered using Jettisonable rocket booster<br>
to help get your UAV to ceiling? This would allow you either more fuel or a heavier engine.

 

[blswinney7]

What sort of loiter time are you looking for? The problems with such high altitude projects is removing heat from the propulsion system, using the low density air found at that altitude. There is one such successful high altitude project that uses solar cells, batteries and electirc motors to drive multiple propellers and the craft is a long and flexible flying wing. I can't remember the name of the project but it is sponsored by NASA (a dirty word to me). If you don't get any further help, let me know and I will do a little research for you.

Bryan Swinney
blswinney7@mac.com
[(3*4)^2]*10^3=144000

 

[Kenneth]

The NASA solar powered planes:

http://adg.stanford.edu/aa241x/intro/Helios.htm

http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/PAO/PAIS/HTML/FS-054-DFRC.html

 

[Kenneth]

http://www.aerospace.nasa.gov/curevent/news/vol3_iss3/erast.htm

 

[WKTaylor]

PS:

Don't forget that Your engine power requirement is likely to be a combination: (a) thrust and (b)aux power. Aux power will be required for cooling, heating, hydraulics systems and electrical system consumption. Even in a small UAV, I presume that electrical/electronic Items may carry a significant current load that is un-sustainable by a battery system! Regards, Wil Taylor