AFRL personnel recently participated in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) test to investigate the performance and operational characteristics of hybrid propulsion systems for UAVs. The test was one part of a much larger multidisciplinary collaborative effort with the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). In preparation for the test, the propulsion system of a commercial off-the-shelf UAV was modified from its original configuration. The UAV's single, centerline electric motor was replaced with two off-centerline electric motors and one centerline heavy fuel engine.
Additionally, solar cells were attached to allow researchers to study their effectiveness for additional energy requirements. These solar cells could potentially be used to power other UAV systems, thereby freeing up power and extending the flight time of the UAV. During the flight test, the UAV was flown using the electric motors and the solar cells. The test was completed successfully, allowing participating researchers to gather valuable flight data and evaluate the performance of the electric motors. UNLV will likely continue the research by testing the heavy fuel engine at a later date. Hybrid propulsion systems can benefit UAVs in a variety of ways. A hybrid system that allows controlled switching between electric and fuel engines could provide the dual benefits of an electric motor's quiet stealth with the endurance of a fuel-driven engine. The experience gathered by the university UAV teams during this flight test, as well as the equipment itself, will be used by UNLV's research team to further their study of hybrid UAV propulsion systems.
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