RCV Engines is a specialised manufacturer of small multi-fuel engines for unmanned systems.
RCV’s patented revolving valve combustion system delivers excellent power-to-weight and operates equally well on both gasoline and HF (Heavy Fuel:- Jet-A1, JP5, JP8). This makes it ideal for small fixed-wing UAVs, VTOL multi-rotor UAS and hybrid/power generation applications.
The RCV is in full production and is proven HF compatible. The engine is operating successfully on HF in many applications around the world.
The robust RCV combustion system ensures that starting, handling and power are excellent, and are unaffected by ambient conditions, altitude and variations in fuel composition. RCV’s engines provide long MTBOs of up to 150 hours for rotary-wing UAVs, 250 hours for VTOL platforms and 500 hours for fixed-wing drones.
RCV engines are supplied complete with exhaust, fuelling system, ECU and generator mounts, and can also be supplied with the following options:
In addition we offer a design facility which allows us to work with you to understand the requirements fully, develop the specification and provide a complete package that meets your needs. This service also extends into the integration of the power-plant into the platform ensuring optimisation of the system.
The DF70 is a high-performance 4-stroke twin-cylinder UAV engine designed to military specifications for the aerospace market. Suitable for both VTOL and fixed-wing unmanned aircraft, the engine offers superior fuel economy, quiet running and excellent starting reliability.
With a capacity of 70cc and a power output of 4.2kW, the DF70 also features a boxer configuration for minimal vibration, as well as rotation options for either pusher or tractor configurations. A “limp home” mode offers the ability to run the engine on just one cylinder.
Specifications:
| Capacity | 70cc |
| Speed Range | 2000 to 10000 rpm |
| Power (JP8) | 4.0 kW (5.4 hp) at 8500 rpm |
| Fuel Consumption (JP8) | 330g/kW.hr (0.54 lb/hp.hr) |
| Weight (complete assembly) | 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs) |
| Time Between Overhaul (VTOL) | 250 hrs |
| Time Between Overhaul (fixed-wing) | 500 hrs |
Learn more: DF70 Twin Cylinder UAV Engine
The DF70LC is a liquid-cooled version of the DF70 twin-cylinder multi-fuel UAV engine. Featuring the same high-performance specifications as the DF70, the DF70LC is ideally suited for both VTOL and fixed-wing UAV platforms, with superior fuel economy, quiet running and excellent starting reliability.
Learn more: DF70LC Liquid-Cooled Twin Cylinder UAV Engine
The DF35 is a single-cylinder version of the DF70 with a capacity of 35cc and a power output of 2.2kW. Featuring a reduced footprint for small unmanned aircraft applications, the DF35 can be used as a direct replacement for existing 2-stroke engines, providing upgrades in reliability, quality and multi-fuel operation. The DF35 is also available as liquid-cooled variant.
Specifications:
| Capacity | 35cc |
| Speed Range | 2000 to 10000 rpm |
| Power (JP8) | 2.2 kW (3.0 hp) at 8500 rpm |
| Fuel Consumption (JP8) | 350g/kW.hr (0.54 lb/hp.hr) |
| Weight (complete assembly) | 2.0 kg (4.4 lbs) |
| Time Between Overhaul (VTOL) | 250 hrs |
| Time Between Overhaul (fixed-wing) | 500 hrs |
Learn more: DF35 Single Cylinder UAV Engine
The EFI Engine Control System is lightweight and compact, weighing in at only 30 grams, and is ideal for controlling a variety of fixed-wing and VTOL UAV engines. It features an integrated fuel system, twin injector drivers with up to three injectors per driver, and twin ignition for dual-spark operation.
An inbuilt data logger and RS232/CAN bus communications provide efficient, easy storage and transfer of data. The EFI Engine Control System comes with an intuitive graphical user interface and field-proven control software.
Learn more: EFI UAV Engine Control System
Our proven process for UAV engine design, development and manufacture can provide you with solutions to meet your engine requirements, based on our unique revolving valve combustion system technology. Our experienced engineers can work with your development team or provide a complete custom solution that encompasses requirements review and prototyping, through to production supply.
Engines can either be manufactured/supplied by RCV, or by the customer under a licensing agreement. 3D CAD data can be made available for installation studies.
Please get in touch to discuss your requirements for custom UAV engine solutions.
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