Improved Turbo/Superchargers for UAS/UGS Application

Baker Engineering LLC. (BE) has been developing small lightweight turbochargers to help address the fact that small UAS engines currently suffer from low durability, poor efficiency, and non-heavy fuel operations. Specifically, BE’s efforts focus on turbochargers for the class 2 and 3 UAS engines. The advanced turbochargers enhance the durability, efficiency, and overall operations of small UAS engines. In this SBIR sequential Phase II program, BE will expand turbocharger development work performed on earlier contracts (topics OSD13-PR5 and AF181-028) by maturing from test cell operations to UAS flight testing. Three turbocharged engine prototypes will be developed in total, two integrated into the TigerShark and one into the ScanEagle airframes. Engines selected for demonstration include BE’s Heavy Fuel Rotary Engine, the AIE 225CS Rotary Engine, and BE’s advanced 3W-28i engine. Flight testing will demonstrate use of the lightweight turbocharger technology for flightworthiness, durability, and increased power at altitude. This effort will elevate the lightweight turbocharger and advanced 3W-28i engine, pending AF181-028 award, to a TRL 7.