UAV Factory unveils electric Penguin BE UAV

13th June 2013 - 16:08 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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UAV Factory has unveiled an electric version of its Penguin B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), called the Penguin BE. The system has already secured a customer in a European aerospace research centre.

The Penguin BE offers an alternative to the gasoline powered Penguin B for customers seeking a system offering simple and clean operation with excellent reliability and simple maintenance.

The UAV has an endurance of up to 110 minutes with 2.8 kg payload. The optimised high lift flap system provides stall speeds of less than 13 m/s.

All components of the Penguin BE are removable and completely interchangeable. The wing splits in three 1.1 meter sections and the V-tail splits in two parts. High-end industrial grade push-pull connectors are installed in tail-boom joints as standard. Oversize access covers are equipped with DZUS type 1/4 turn quick fasteners, and tail-booms are equipped with purpose developed quick release aluminium joints.

The system is powered by a 640 Wh battery cartridge, which is custom made from 48 Lithium Polymer cells and has 145 Wh/kg specific energy. Battery cartridge is fastened with the quick release spring loaded pins.

The aircraft is available as a platform, ready for the autopilot and payload integration by the customer. Electric propulsion retrofit package is available for converting gas Penguin B to electric propulsion.

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