Gill Sensors’ Fuel Level Sensor Used in Record Breaking Unmanned Aircraft Flight

By Caroline Rees / 25 Sep 2012

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

The Penguin B Unmanned Aircraft

Gill Sensors, a UK company widely regarded throughout the world as a leader in capacitive liquid level sensor technology, played a part in helping the UAV Factory team smash a world record for the longest recorded flight for a small-class unmanned aircraft. In July 2012, the “Penguin B” aircraft stayed in the air for 54½ hours, breaking the previous record by 43%. Gill Sensors’ input involved the development of an innovative fuel level sensor that enabled the accurate and reliable monitoring of the amount of remaining fuel in the 7.5 litre tank.

The main challenge encountered by the Gill Sensors team was the fact that space was extremely limited as the fuel tank was an irregular shape and there was no space to mount the sensor through the top of the tank, as would normally be the case. Engineers at Gill Sensors used their considerable expertise in the fuel sensor technology marketplace to design a unique sensor that could be mounted through the side wall of the tank. The final product comprised a Gill micro liquid level sensor with a specially angled probe to allow accurate monitoring of the tank depth and was supplied to UAV Factory pre-calibrated, ready to be installed in the fuel tank.

Key to the excellent performance and suitability of the Gill fuel sensor for this aviation application is the use of new microelectronics that offers a 50% space saving compared to standard electronics. Not only did this enable the space required to mount the sensor to be reduced, but also the overall weight of the sensor was only 60g, a significant reduction compared to other fuel level sensors and a key consideration for UAV manufacturers.

The micro sensors were supplied calibrated for 95 Octane Petroleum with a 2% full synthetic oil mix. With an operating temperature range from 40ºC to 125ºC, they are also environmentally sealed to IP68 and meet all the necessary requirements for humidity, vibration and EMC.

“We were delighted when we were told about this fantastic achievement by UAV Factory.” says Mike Rees, Head of Marketing at Gill Sensors. “Our design engineers relished the challenge when we first met UAV Factory at AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems conference in Washington in 2011, and were able to utilise the proven microelectronic level sensor technology that is currently supplied by Gill into other specialist applications such as Formula 1 race cars and military land vehicles. It was a great achievement for UAV Factory and we are proud to be a part.”

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

Jun 13, 2025
Advanced Navigation’s Micro AUV Reveals Coral Bleaching at Remote Southern Reef

Using autonomous underwater technology, Advanced Navigation and O2 Marine have documented severe coral bleaching at Hall Bank, revealing climate impacts on one of Earth’s southernmost reefs

Jun 13, 2025
D-2 CTD Sensors Displayed at Combined Naval Event 2025

D-2 Inc. highlighted its latest underwater sensor technologies and mobile fuel testing system during Combined Naval Event 2025, held May 20–22 in Farnborough, UK

Jun 13, 2025
Deep Trekker ROVs Support Inland Demining Efforts

Deep Trekker has delivered sixteen REVOLUTION ROVs to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, supporting underwater EOD missions through a UNDP initiative

Jun 13, 2025
Systork Launches Upgraded Linnet Mosaic-X5 GNSS Module

Systork introduces the Linnet Mosaic-X5, featuring enhanced thermal performance, microSD logging, and full GNSS support for drones and robotics in challenging environments

Jun 13, 2025
Wave Relay Devices Receive NSA Approval for Classified Communications

Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® devices have received NSA approval for CSfC use, offering secure, commercial alternatives to legacy classified communication solutions

Jun 13, 2025

Featured Content

MEMS DC Accelerometers from SDI Deliver Superior Performance for Unmanned Systems

SDI's MEMS DC accelerometers offer a robust solution for unmanned aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles, providing precise static and dynamic motion sensing, crucial for autonomous navigation, attitude feedback, and structural monitoring

Jun 12, 2025
Calian GNSS Unveils New Anti-Jamming CRPA with XF+ Filtering

Calian GNSS has introduced the CR8894SXF+, a compact CRPA antenna with in-band null forming and XF+ filtering for resilient GNSS performance in interference-prone environments

Jun 06, 2025
Honeywell Introduces HG3900 Tactical-Grade IMU with Enhanced Sensor Accuracy

Honeywell has introduced the HG3900 IMU, a MEMS-based device with tactical-grade accuracy, offering significant SWaP advantages for precision navigation systems

Jun 05, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.