Propulsion for Miniature Munitions

A compact heavy fueled engine is progressing from a desire to a requirement. A miniature Meyer Nutating Disk Engine provides the means of propulsion that the military has been seeking. An unmanned air vehicle (UAV) will have capabilities that are not currently possible with present internal combustion engines. The miniature high power density Meyer Nutating Disk Engine designed during the Phase I effort is a dual disk engine designed to produce a maximum output of 6-7 Hp at 4,000 rpm. The compact size, inherent to the nutating design, packages this engine within a 4” diameter and 7.5” overall length, weighing 8.2 pounds, with a Power to Weight Ratio (BHp/lb) of .82. Heavy fueled operation allows this engine to operate efficiently at reduced rpm and light loads extending mission length for loitering conditions. Engine operation is permissible at elevations up to 15,000 feet at reduced output levels. Initial development work has been completed on the Meyer Nutating Disk Engine concept, including a 150 target horsepower proof-of-principal engine, with a second generation prototype underway. This Phase II SBIR will provide the opportunity to build a prototype of the miniature Meyer Nutating Disk Engine and perform initial testing, targeting a TRL of 4-5.