Pulsejet Engines for UAVs: Flight-Proven Drone Propulsion Systems

UAV Flight with Jet Engine That Has No Moving Parts Demonstrated

Wave Engine Corp. unveils the new 50+ lbf J-1 engine and demonstrates how the company's innovative propulsion system cuts costs and improves production rates for jet-powered aircraft By Sarah Simpson / 06 Mar 2024
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North American Wave Engine Corporation, a leader in next-generation propulsion technology, has successfully demonstrated complete flight capability on a UAV powered by a jet engine that features no moving parts.

The demonstration, which included take-off, climb-cruise, and landing, showcases a significant advancement in affordable jet-powered systems, particularly for unmanned vehicles.

The propulsion system is generally the most expensive and complex component of a jet powered aircraft, and this technological development signals major improvements for the cost and rapid-producibility of future jet powered aircraft.

Wave engines are a class of aircraft engines that operate using pressure waves instead of rotating machinery. Intermittent combustion inside a hollow tube produces pressure waves that push hot gases and produce thrust. Wave Engine Corp.’s proprietary technology enables high speeds and allows for an order-of-magnitude reduction in the cost and complexity of jet propulsion, which is a critical enabler for an increasing number of applications that call for affordable and rapidly-producible jet propulsion systems and aircraft.

For the demonstration flight, a 50+ lbf (222+ N) thrust wave engine was used as the sole powerplant on a 100 lbs (45 kg) gross weight Conventional Take-Off and Landing UAV. Remote instant start on liquid fuel was also demonstrated as part of the flight sequence.

The company has developed engines ranging from 50 lbf (222 N) to 250 lbf (1112 N) maximum thrust suitable for aircraft ranging from 100 lbs (45 kg) to 1000 lbs (450 kg) gross weight, and demonstrated operation on gasoline/petrol (87 Octane), kerosene-based fuel (Jet-A/JP-8) and sustainable ethanol-based biofuel (E85).

The company also announced that it had successfully demonstrated multiple mid-air starts and operated its engines at airspeeds up to 200 mph, limited only by the practical limits of the test facility.

Additionally, the company has demonstrated Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption (TSFC) levels under 2.0 lbs/lbf-hr to rival the efficiency of turbine-based engines, and performance continues to improve as development progresses. “We continue to push the performance and flight envelope,” said Daanish Maqbool, CEO of Wave Engine Corporation. “We have worked for years to harness the power of sound and fire, and we believe it is going to change the industry.”

The company also announced its launch product, the 50+ lbf thrust J-1 engine, and welcomes potential partners for inquiries and demonstrations.

To learn more, contact Wave Engine Corporation: Visit Website Send Message View Supplier Profile
Posted by Sarah Simpson Specialising in digital copy Sarah is an experienced copywriter and researcher. Working with Unmanned Systems Technology Sarah has developed a passion for sourcing unique digital content and a talent for writing about the latest technical innovations in the unmanned sector. Connect & Contact