Unmanned vehicle uses hybrid motor
Unmanned vehicle uses hybrid motor
2008-04-16Newsfeed
An Israeli firm specialising in defence contracts is to launch an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) on its first flight with a new hybrid battery/piston engine.
An Israeli firm specialising in defence contracts is to launch an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) on its first flight with a new hybrid battery/piston engine.
The close-range tactical UAV, known as Aerosky 2, is designed to take off with its piston engine and switch to a battery system once it reaches its target area, Aeronautics Defence Systems said.
The hybrid engine is being developed by Zanzottera Technologies, an Aeronautics subsidiary north of Milan, Italy.
The president of Aeronautics, Avi Leumi, said the new hybrid engine has already been test flown on another UAV, but not the Aerosky 2 model.
The Aerosky 2 has been designed to operate from a mobile launcher and has a maximum take-off weight of 176lb. The firm says the payload is capable of operating day or night and has an endurance of 10h.
Aeronautics said the electric propulsion will make the Aerosky 2 particularly quiet at low altitudes.
The first flight of the Aerosky 2 carrying the new engine is scheduled for June 2.
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
