New UAV heavy-fuel engines introduced

7th June 2013 - 16:52 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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3W-International has developed a new range of 2-stroke, Twin Spark (TS) heavy fuel engines (HFE) for use on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The range includes 10 engines designed to increase reliability and reduce fuel consumption by 20%, compared with gasoline engines of the same class.

The new engines are equipped with a modified air intake system, fuel injection, patented 3W-muffler and patented pre-heating crankcase solution. A number of the new models also feature a cylinder capacity of 34ccm or above to enhance engine reliability and safety.

The TS engines allow the second ignition to run autonomously in the event of first ignition failure, allowing the engine to run further with reduced RPM between 100-150, depending on type.

All models in the HFE engine range run 20°C to 35°C cooler than gasoline engines. The fuel pre-heating system automatically reduces the fuel consumption when fuel passes the pre-heating unit. The engines operate with 2-stroke gasoline mix, JET A1, JP 5 and JP 8 without recalibration of the system. For cold start, cartridge heaters are powered for 3-6 minutes, depending on the engine type, by an external power supply until the starting temperature of +65°C is reached in the combustion chamber. When the engine is running, the external power supply of the cartridge heaters is switched off, eliminating the requirement for an external power supply source.

Karsten Schudt, managing director, 3W-International, said: ‘We are very happy with the industry’s response to our 2-stroke heavy fuel engines and will be launching the range at AUVSI in August. With the UAV market growing rapidly internationally, we are looking to expand 3W-International’s reach by pioneering heavy fuel engine technology that focuses on increasing power, reliability and lifetime.’