Advanced Power System for Air Launched Small Unmanned Aerial Systems

The air-launched expendable Small Unmanned Aerial System (SUAS) under development by the Air Force can expand mission capabilities by extending the range of on-board sensors, tracking multiple targets, increasing target acquisition accuracy, and providing direct support for ground teams. Current state-of-the-art battery technology provides Group 1 SUAS with approximately 25-60 minutes of operational time. A mission endurance time of at least 4 hours is needed to make SUAS viable for multiple mission scenarios, and current battery power systems do not provide sufficient power and energy within the limited mass and volume required. In addition, the power solution must also provide safe operation while on board the aircraft or in storage. Lynntech proposes to develop an advanced fuel cell-hybrid power system to enable a long endurance SUAS. During the Phase I, Lynntech will design the power system, demonstrate the operation of a breadboard system, and plan the integration of the power system into a Group 1 SUAS. During the Phase II the power system will be integrated and tested with a Group 1 SUAS to provide a long endurance platform for the Air Force.