NATEP Grant Awarded to AIE for Next Generation UAV Rotary Engines

Lichfield, Staffordshire: Midlands-based specialist engineers, AIE (UK) Ltd have once again seen the rewards for their culture of innovation by securing a recent grant to develop a rotary propulsion unit for maritime surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The grant, awarded from the National Aerospace Technology Programme (NATEP) will be used by AIE to spearhead a collaborative project using the latest, revolutionary technology to provide innovative solutions for a new generation of UAVs.

Working in partnership with Vortex Exhaust Technology, AIE will design and develop an incredibly high-power but lightweight rotary engine that will deliver longer endurance, greater rate of climb and improved payload-carrying capacity for small fixed-wing unmanned aerial platforms.

Features of this design will include AIE’s patented SPARCS liquid-cooling technology (Self-Pressurising-Air Rotor Cooling System) that will provide precision thermal control along with enhanced exhaust cleanliness for a more efficient propulsion system; and a competitive alternative to power units currently on the market.

Commenting on the benefits of this ultra-lightweight, 5hp engine, Alex Vaughn, AIE Business Development Manager noted “…reliability for longer-endurance surveillance platforms is essential for the next generation of maritime UAS. The NATEP grant gives us the support to further advance rotary propulsive technologies, which will give end-users the advantage of deploying light-weight, high-end systems at very low total cost”.

Development of the new UAV propulsion system, including rigorous testing will be conducted in-house using AIE’s leading design and manufacturing capabilities, including 3D printing, latest state-of-the-art CNC milling, and precision measuring and test cell facilities.

For more details on AIE (UK) Ltd. advancements visit.

About NATEP:
The National Aerospace Technology Programme (NATEP) works to enhance UK supply chain capabilities and networks to help them deliver added value to future aerospace products and services. NATEP is managed by the UK’s national aerospace body, ADS.
www.natep.org.uk

About Vortex Exhaust Technology:
Vortex Exhaust Technology are specialists in exhaust parts and components that provide immediate, measurable improvements to car engine efficiency, fuel economy and lower emissions through use of patented Vortex® technology vacuums.
www.vortexexhausttechnology.com

About Advanced Innovative Engineering (UK) Ltd:
AIE is a UK-based engineering company specialising in the development of innovative Wankel rotary engines. The AIE team boasts a combined experience of over 80 years in rotary engine design, R&D, and manufacturing; delivering products and services that have exceptional reliability, versatility and low total cost of ownership (TCO) for the global Aerospace, Automotive and Marine markets.