Completes Test Flight With New Hybrid UAS Propulsion System
LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions reports the successful flight trials, in collaboration with Offshore Aviation. The announcement comes three months after introducing their hybrid GenSet technology for drones.
The OA-8C (ER) Dragonfly, an unmanned quadcopter aircraft, was equipped with LaunchPoint’s integrated 5.5 kW hybrid-electric HPS055 GenSet. The flight-extending technology allowed the Dragonfly’s hover endurance to increase to more than 90 minutes in 90-degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature without refueling. Forward flight and lower temperature is expected to increase endurance. Weight reported was 62lbs. empty with 13 lbs. of fuel bringing the total take off weight to 75 lbs. This report shows numbers that triple the range of battery-powered drones on the market, making aircraft equipped with a LaunchPoint GenSet battery back able to not only go farther but do so while having the option to carry the same or greater payloads. The HPS055 system produces 0.52 kW/kg continuous power with a peak power output of more than 7 kW using a recommended battery pack in parallel with the GenSet.
“We are excited to announce the success of our test flights of the 5.5 kW GenSets with our partner Offshore Aviation,” stated LaunchPoint CEO Rob Reali.
“The trials’ results bring us a big step closer to hybrid-electric flight becoming a commercial reality. With the LaunchPoint Genset, flight time is increased over the incumbent all-electric design by 3x the duration from 30-minutes to 90-minutes with an increased payload. We plan to significantly increase that number soon. We’re targeting 4x the endurance or higher with our value engineering efforts in progress to achieve double digit improvements.”
LaunchPoint is set to attend the AUVSI XPONENTIAL in Atlanta, next week, from August 16 – 18.
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