Researchers at the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory have flown a 3D-printed heavy-fuel rotary engine aboard an experimental drone near Huntsville, Alabama, the laboratory announced.
The propulsion system pairs an air-cooled rotary engine with a 400-volt motor-generator to create a series-hybrid drive designed for vertical-takeoff aircraft. The laboratory developed the system under its Versatile Tactical Power and Propulsion research programme and worked with Griffon Aerospace to build the Group 3 mid-sized VICTOR drone around the unit.
Dr Chol-Bum Kweon, the programme manager at the laboratory, said 3D metal printing allowed researchers to redesign engine parts quickly based on test results and eliminated the need for liquid coolant. He said the project transfers research findings to industry partners to help mid-sized drones fly further and operate beyond line of sight.
The laboratory plans to make the VICTOR aircraft and its operational concept available to military partners for further experimentation, including potential applications in drone swarms.
