AFRL testing highly-efficient diesel aircraft engine
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Advanced Power Technology Office has completed a ground test series on a new highly-efficiency diesel aircraft engine, the US Air Force announced on 11 August.
Designed by Engineered Propulsion Systems, the Graflight V-8 4.3L diesel engine is designed to use up to 40% less fuel than typical aircraft engines while increasing range and loiter time by up to 50%. It is liquid-cooled and capable of using either a composite or aluminium propeller.
According to the AFRL, the 'clean sheet' design engine is a potential replacement for current manned and unmanned aircraft internal combustion engines.
Using a new control unit, the engine can operate using readily available diesel, Jet-A, or JP-8 fuels, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to transport specialised fuels. This flexibility opens up the possibility of unmanned aircraft use in regions that were previously impractical.
During the ground testing, the engine was taken through a range of simulated operational flight conditions, from sea-level to 30,000ft and back, successfully generating data on performance factors such as fuel consumption, calibration, vibration and power output.
The AFRL will use this data to prepare for future flight testing, confirm the engine’s efficiency and validate engine performance for future air force users.
Capt. Randall Hodkin, the APTO Aviation Working Group lead, said: 'Since this engine requires less fuel to fly the same distance, an aircraft or unmanned air vehicle could either carry more payload or fly a longer mission. Overall, if implemented, this technology has the potential to provide the air force a significant improvement in mission flexibility.
'Often one of the greatest military logistics burdens is fuel transport. If we can reduce or eliminate the need to ship specialised fuels, we’ve then reduced the associated cost and risk.'
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet]()
US Navy foresees an uncrewed future for its surface and underwater fleet
The service has been conducting various procurement and development efforts to integrate unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into its inventory.
-
![Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS]()
Tekever unveils new swarm-controlling UAS
Tekever has manufactured the AR3, AR4 and AR5 UAS with all systems sharing common electronics and software architecture, which has enabled the reuse of ground segment elements within the new ARX UAS.
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
