UAV Turbines Develops Gas Turbine UAV Propulsion Technology

By Mike Ball / 22 Jun 2015

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

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

UAV Turbines Engine-in-a-BoxUAV Turbines, Inc. (UAVT), a developer of engine technology for unmanned aircraft, has announced that it will be demonstrating for select companies its fully integrated proprietary propulsion system, which incorporates a small engine, filters, a 3kW generator, control system, display, and gas tank in an enclosed unit that is the size of a mini-refrigerator. This “Engine-in-a-Box” displays system level integration of UAVT’s gas turbine technology.

UAVT recently revealed the technology of a family of gas turbine engines ranging in power from 20hp to 150hp, designed for propulsion of Group 3 and Group 4 unmanned aerial vehicles.

“Successful integration of this full system represents a milestone for us,” says Senior Industry Advisor Peter Bale. “UAVT also previously announced a program to lend engines in the 50 hp class to qualified manufacturers of UAVs so that those companies can evaluate the engine in their airframes, and suggest refinements. Our intention is that this is a straightforward loan, not a joint development program. These engines are to be returned with detailed reports,” Bale adds.

“This is an ‘intelligent’ system,” says Engineering Manager Fred Frigerio. “Gas turbine engines in UAVs have been complicated to operate, as temperatures and pressures change, and different performance is required under changing conditions. All of UAVT’s engines start with the touch of a button, and following steps are choreographed by the electronic brain of the control system, guided by input from sensors.”

“In this turbo generator test platform, we know that power is available for use when the engine cranks up to about 197,000 rpm, and a light on the display turns green. In a UAV system, any engine in this family will automatically adjust operation to achieve minimal fuel consumption, or maximum power response, for example. A remote pilot need not deal with details, just indicate what condition applies. The engines can even be switched off and restarted remotely at altitude,” explains Frigerio.

As UAVT continues intensive development of its propulsion technology, the Engine-in-a-Box turbo generator will be a test bed for different system configurations as well as an effective demonstrator for key features of the technology.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

High-Energy Density Batteries for Drones & Robotic Vehicles

The SCIO Brick® platform offers industry-leading energy density in a compact and lightweight footprint, and can be scaled to meet high-voltage requirements

Jul 12, 2025
Most Read Articles on UST This Week

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

Jul 11, 2025
Vertiq Speed Firmware v0.1.1 Now Available with Bug Fixes

Vertiq has released firmware v0.1.1 to correct a parameter bug affecting telemetry and 3D mode settings on select G1 and G2 modules

Jul 11, 2025
The Role of ROVs in Unmanned Marine Operations

Oceanbotics has answered the most common questions about ROVs, covering how they work, where they're used, and key capabilities

Jul 11, 2025
LiveU File Transfer Speeds Up Drone Data Delivery for Critical Missions

LiveU’s File Transfer enables rapid transmission of large drone data files, reducing delays and supporting faster decision-making in public safety and infrastructure operations.

Jul 11, 2025
Exploring Differences Between M9PLUS & M9 GNSS Antennas

Discover the key upgrades in Maxtena’s new M9PLUS GNSS antenna, including improved performance, signal purity, and multipath mitigation over the original M9

Jul 11, 2025

Featured Content

USAF Uses Inertial Labs Drone Lidar for Tree Obstruction Survey

The US Air Force successfully used Inertial Labs drone Lidar and cloud software to quickly map tree obstructions at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), improving airfield safety

Jul 11, 2025
New UAV to Combine Solar Hydrogen & Battery Power for Extended Flight

XSun and H3 Dynamics are developing the first UAV powered by solar, hydrogen, and batteries, aiming to deliver zero-emission, long-endurance unmanned flight

Jul 07, 2025
Enhancing Mangrove Restoration Through 3D Printed Drone Design

Explore how Inverto Earth, in collaboration with HP Additive, is using sustainable 3D printing and drone technology to drive large-scale mangrove restoration and protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems

Jul 03, 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.