Heavy Fuel and Gasoline 4-Stroke UAV Engines

High-Altitude Heavy Fuel Engines for UAVs

By Mike Ball / 01 Feb 2022
RCV heavy fuel UAV engine
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RCV heavy fuel UAV engineRCV Engines’ Technical Director has authored the following article that highlights how the company’s heavy fuel engines for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) have been tested and used at higher altitudes.

The key selling point of RCV’s UAV engines is the excellent heavy fuel (HF) operation. This is due to RCV’s near-ideal combustion system, which ensures that the engine is tolerant to changes in air fuel ratio, ignition timing, air temperature, engine temperature and fuel composition. This tolerance to ambient conditions gives the additional operational benefit of reliable HF operation at altitude.

RCV are aware that some HF engines with less rugged combustion systems have struggled to run reliably at altitude. If a combustion system is marginal, then thin, cold air will make HF running even more challenging. The RCV is as tolerant of barometric pressure as it is of other combustion related variables, and keeps on running regardless. Once fuelling is adjusted according to the barometric pressure read by the ECU the RCV engine operates as well at 15000ft as it does at sea level.

Maximum operational altitude will, as usual, depend on airframe weight and aerodynamic efficiency. RCV engine-powered UAVs operating on JP5 and JP8 are routinely operating at 3500m (11000ft). Maximum altitudes of 4500m (15000ft) have been attained, with higher altitudes possible with lightly loaded aircraft

For an in-depth explanation of the RCV combustion system, visit this page on the company’s website.

To learn more, contact RCV Engines: Visit Website Send Message View Supplier Profile
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