Indian Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) officials say that the Kaveri aero-engine, which incidentally is over 22 years in the making by now with a sanctioned cost of Rs 2,893 crore ($388M), can power unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) because they “do not require the kind of higher thrust” needed for the indigenous Tejas LCA (light combat aircraft).
Category Archives: Aircraft Propulsion & Energy
IAI Evaluates Aerial Refuelling for Heron
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is evaluating aerial refuelling for the upgraded version of its Heron unmanned aircraft system, which is better equipped to perform maritime missions.
Skylark 1LE Adapted for US Military
M STAMP EO Payload Integrates Two Sensors - A Daylight TV and Uncooled FLIR, Plus An Integral Laser Marker. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense Update
UAS Dynamics – a joint venture between Elbit Systems and General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products – has enhanced the performance, mission capabilities and operability of the Skylark 1LE mini UAS.
IAI Continues Search for UAS Fuel Cells
Israel Aerospace Industries is still looking for a fuel cell power system to replace the batteries currently used on its small unmanned aircraft systems.
Lindbergh Prize for Electric Aircraft Vision Award Goes to ELEKTRA ONE from PC-Aero
From left to right: in the cockpit: Test Pilot Norbert Lorenzen, Sascha Voitle (mechanic), Calin Gologan (developer of the Elektra One and CEO PC-Aero), Michael Mularski (SolarWorld) Photo:Shahn Sederberg
Erik Lindbergh, founder of LEAP, announced the winner of the Lindbergh Prize for Electric Aircraft at the World Electric Aircraft Symposium at EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh. PC-Aero is the winner for its integration of Solar World’s solar technology into its ELEKTRA ONE aircraft and the supporting hangar.
Lockheed Martin Unveils Maple Seed UAS
Lockheed Martin’s Intelligent Robotics Laboratories has spent the last five years developing an unmanned craft to replicate the motion of maple tree seeds, whirring softly to the ground like silent one-winged helicopters. The device, called the Samarai, is scheduled to make its public debut next week at the AUVSI conference in Washington.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Gets $13M Contract for Gray Eagle Heavy Fuel Engine Upgrade Kit
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. was awarded a $13,473,894 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to supply an alternate heavy fuel engine kit upgrade for the Gray Eagle.
AeroVironment Files Patent Application for Hydrogen Powerplant and Related Control System
AeroVironment Inc filed a patent application for “A hydrogen fueled power-plant including an internal combustion engine that drives a motor-generator, and has a two-stage turbocharger, for an aircraft.”