Northwest UAV has announced that its NW-44 Multi-Fuel Engine has reached the milestone of logging over 1000 combat flight hours. Built specifically for small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that require extreme endurance and high reliability, the NW-44 Engine is a lightweight, multi-fuel UAV engine that is easily configured to meet mission requirements. The NW-44 engine supports smaller aircraft, with approximate weights between 40-75 lbs., that need to remain quiet for a long period of time.
“Early on we recognized the need to develop professional grade engines for the UAV industry. Hobby engines are fine for initial UAV development, but when you fly 15-20 hours a day in theater with temperatures exceeding 40c, you will quickly reach the limitations of a hobby grade engine, with very disappointing results,” remarked Chris Harris, President and Owner of NWUAV. “The NW-44 Multi Fuel Engine was developed with reliability, durability and fuel efficiency at the forefront with low weight and cost of ownership a close second. Program managers and airframe designers should take note of this COTS engine solution as it is a complete engine system ready to install with little to no development or engineering costs.”
The milestone of 1000 combat flight hours is significant for Northwest UAV and their NW-44 Engine in more ways than one. Not only does it validate for NWUAV customers the promised endurance and reliability of the NW-44 Engine, but it also showcases the expertise of the NWUAV team. As NWUAV’s first small multi-fuel UAV engine, the success of the NW-44 Engine demonstrates the proficiency that Northwest UAV is capable of, with UAV engines and UAS engineering.
“We are very proud of the team we’ve built over the years and the family-friendly company culture we’ve maintained,” Heather Sorenson, NWUAV Director/Compliance Officer said. “Even as we continue to grow, our entire team – from the engineers and technicians to administrative staff – remains collaborative, and maintains a balance between innovation and pragmatism. That collaboration is what keeps us successful.”
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