Novel Power System for Extended Endurance of Air Launched SUAS

Tactical requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) are exceeding current capabilities in performance, reliability, maintainability, and supportability. Mission requirements such as endurance, power, acoustics and low altitude maneuverability and observability for air-launched SUAS are paramount. State of the art technology for Joint UAS Group 1 provides approximately 25-60 minutes of endurance with conventional lithium ion batteries. The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has published endurance and cost goals, concept of operation, and environmental considerations for Group 1 air-launched SUAS. AFSOC highlights the need for increased endurance of at least four hours, despite operational and environmental challenges. The focus of this SBIR is to develop and demonstrate a novel power system integrated in an air-launched SUAS that provides additional power, meets the four hour endurance goal, and meets the environmental challenges. The expected result combines an ultra-compact, heavy-fuel-compliant turboalternator with integrally coupled generator and the accompanying fuel system, controls, power conditioning electronics and battery charging circuitry for an efficient and reliable power system that greatly increases the soldier"s operational and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. The IS4S team brings together a highly qualified team with diverse knowledge and experience in SUAS, turbine-based systems, power systems and controls.