RCV to showcase innovative UAV engine design

RCV Engines will exhibit a prototype multi-fuel, compact and high power-to-weight ratio engine which aims to deliver key benefits for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) applications.
Already the subject of discussions with a number of potential aerospace customers, RCV is seeking additional partners interested in developing UAV power units based on this highly promising engine technology. Based on the company's patented Rotating Cylinder Valve (RCV) engine technology, the new engine design to be unveiled at Farnborough has been developed based on the specific needs of UAV applications for reliability, performance, light-weight construction and compact packaging.

It is capable of multi-fuel operation being already well-proven on gasoline, methanol, diesel and JP8 fuels, and considered feasible for development to operate on JP10 and Jet A.

The engine is based on a 2-cylinder 'boxer' configuration of up to 60cc with higher capacities possible in radial configuration.

The high specific power achievable through RCV technology has been shown to deliver in excess of 100hp/litre across a range of gasoline applications.

Prototype testing of the UAV concept has also demonstrated highly competitive performance, fuel consumption and cold-start capabilities on JP8 fuel.

RCV engine technology is already well proven in a wide range of applications.

To date the company has sold some 10,000 engines for model aircraft applications of up to 20cc capacity and is active in the development of engines for forest and garden and motorcycle and scooter applications up to 125cc capacity.

Commenting on the exhibition of the new UAV engine design at Farnborough, RCV Engines managing director, Eric Hill said: 'We are pleased to be able to display our new UAV engine concept at Farnborough'.

'This UAV power unit draws upon the unique benefits of performance, economy and multi-fuel tolerance of RCV technology'.

'We are already working with a number of aerospace partners but remain enthusiastic to seek out new opportunities for this highly promising engine technology'