A Novel Advanced Propulsion System for Large Class Unmanned Aerial Systems

ABSTRACT: The steadily rising cost of fossil fuels together with a heightened sensitivity to emissions has created a new backdrop against which the performance of traditional aircraft powerplant technology is no longer acceptable. Thermal efficiencies of current offerings hovering around 30% and below indicate that even modern turbine/turboprop engines are ready for game changing improvements. The Peregrine Turbine engine is just such an engine. With thermal efficiencies in excess of 50% possible, it is now within reach to reduce fuel burn for a given mission by over 50%. Historical improvements in aircraft powerplant efficiency have centered on improvements in aerodynamics of turbine components together with material capability enhancements that have enabled steadily increasing turbine inlet temperatures. The Peregrine Turbine makes use of an entirely new innovative thermodynamic cycle that effectively converts what would otherwise be rejected heat into more useful work to drive a fan, prop, or generator. The Peregrine Turbine not only incorporates both reduced turbine inlet temperatures for significant reductions in CO and NOx emissions, it also has a greatly reduced exhaust gas temperature and the attendant reduced heat signatures which is of tactical significance to modern weapons systems. BENEFIT: The reduced fuel burn made possible by the Peregrine Turbine will not only reduce direct operating costs but also reduce support logistics requirements for fielded weapons systems. The Peregrine Turbine is not limited to aircraft applications but may be employed wherever fuel efficiency and low emissions are desired. Peregine Turbine Technologies intends to develop application-specific prototypes for markets that include not only commercial aircraft applications but also power generation, naval propulsion, non-aero military applications such as tank drives, oil and gas industry, railway propulsion, construction equipment, eighteen wheeler drives and automotive powerplants