3W International, a leading developer of heavy fuel and gasoline engines for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), has partnered with Unmanned Systems Technology (“UST”) to demonstrate their expertise in this field. The ‘Platinum’ profile highlights how their high-reliability propulsion solutions with reduced fuel consumption and noise levels can benefit UAV manufacturers worldwide.
3W’s Heavy Fuel Engines are available in one-, two- or four-cylinder models and have been tested under the harshest of conditions to ensure the highest performance and reliability. The engines can also be provided with 3W’s patented engine mufflers to further reduce noise levels.
Engines with a cylinder capacity of 20.68 cubic inches and higher are fitted with manually operated compression release valves as standard, with automatically operated valves available upon request. Engines with a cylinder capacity of 3.30 cubic inches are fitted with automatically operated valves as standard. All engines with a capacity of 55 cc or higher can be delivered as a twin-spark version, with independently operating ignitions. This provides quieter running, increased safety and reliability and redundant operation.
UAV gasoline engines are available in one-, two- or four-cylinder models. All engines can be fitted with a carburettor, or with an electronic fuel injection system that increases power, reduces fuel consumption and allows better control and regulation of the engine. As with the heavy fuel engines, all gasoline engines with a capacity of 55 cc or higher can be delivered as a twin-spark version, with independently operating ignitions.
All UAV gasoline engines can also be upgraded to Competition series, optimized for enhanced performance with modified transfer ports and individually adjusted compression for each cylinder. Competition series engines benefit from increased power and torque, as well as improved throttle response at lower RPM ranges, and are painted with two coats of highly temperature-resistant metallic orange 2K engine paint.
The new 3W-180 SRE Wankel Rotary UAV Engine is a Wankel hybrid cycle engine with a compact design. This lightweight 4-stroke rotary engine features an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allowing UAVs to carry greater payloads.
The hybrid boost power provides the engine with an additional 15KW (depending on storage capacity), giving greater lift-off or acceleration capabilities to unmanned aircraft. The 3W-180 SRE can be run on gasoline or heavy fuel, with the option for standard manifold or high pressure injection (HPI). The engine housing is water-cooled and the rotor is actively cooled by oil.
3W can tailor their standard engine designs to create customized UAV propulsion systems to your exact specifications, including unmanned aircraft type, fuel type and performance parameters. The company can also provide all auxiliary subsystems, down to the propellers.
3W also offer a comprehensive suite of engineering services to help clients develop new propulsion systems, optimize existing designs, and integrate propulsion units into the chassis of their UAVs. With state-of-the-art in-house test benches, 3W has the capabilities to thoroughly test both their own designs as well as third-party designs. Test equipment is also available for rent.
