Small UAV Hybrid Propulsion System

ABSTRACT: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation (Aurora) proposes to conduct trade studies to determine the optimum hybrid propulsion system for an in-service UAV in the 50lb to 150lb weight range. The propulsion system will be an internal combustion (IC) engine installed in parallel with an electric motor system driving a single propeller. We are leveraging Aurora"s experience using a design tool for design space exploration and multi-objective optimization for hybrid propulsion systems in UAV applications. We will combine Aurora"s extensive UAV aircraft design experience with Mississippi State University"s automotive hybrid propulsion system design experience to provide a state-of-the-art UAV hybrid propulsion solution. BENEFIT: A hybrid propulsion system in a small UAV will allow the vehicle to operate with the benefits of both an IC engine (long endurance) and electric motor (quiet stealth) with proper design. Once a hybrid propulsion system design process is established it could be applied to virtually any existing UAV for propulsion system retrofit.