AIE Present Latest UAV Engine Concepts at FIA2016 Show

In an area steeped in aviation history, including the UK’s first powered and sustained flight, the Farnborough International Airshow Trade 2016 in Hampshire was the ideal location for the global aerospace industry to meet and showcase their latest innovations and modern capabilities.

As UAV engine experts, Advanced Innovative Engineering (UK) Ltd were invited to attend the FIA2016 Trade Show event on 14 July in order to deliver an intriguing presentation on AIE capabilities and latest innovations in lightweight, high power-to-weight UAV engines and rotary engine technology.

Presenting to a very international audience within the Innovation Zone, Alex Vaughn, Business Development representative for AIE (UK) Ltd provided an overview of AIE’s rich heritage that stretches back to Norton Motorcycles in the 1960’s and beyond.

From this background as rotary engine design specialist, AIE have developed a unique range of world-class UAV engines from the 40S 2kg 5bhp engine to the 28kg 120bhp UAV engine each benefiting from patented technology and easy-to-integrate structures.

Continuing his presentation regarding the advancements for UAV engines, Alex explained that AIE had been successful in receiving a grant award from NATEP to develop an ultra-light UAV engine for maritime surveillance. Describing the project, Alex noted “UAV surveillance requires an engine that can deliver superior endurance, climb and payload capabilities. With the technological advancements in this project, we have been successful in developing a rotary engine propulsion system that is not only reliable, but is light, reducing fuel consumption and powerful to cope with extended flight times.”

The audience were interested to note that the results of this project will provide a valuable solution in helping reduce operational, technical and cost requirements for small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In conclusion to his FIA2016 presentation, Alex encouraged delegates to witness for themselves the remarkably compact and aesthetic design of the AIE 40S Engine displayed in a glass case at the Midland Aerospace Alliance (MAA) Stand.

With the NATEP project for ultra-light rotary engine reaching its final testing phase, interested parties can be first to access this new technology by signing up to the AIE Newsletter or visiting the latest news section at www.aieuk.com/news.