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Unmanned Systems

Air Force Looks to Hybrid Electric Solution for eVTOL and UAS Energy Concerns

Kelsey Reichmann

Thursday, March 4th, 2021

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Air Force Looks to Hybrid Electric Solution for eVTOL and UAS Energy Concerns

The X-Engine technology would use fuel to power a generator and charge the aircraft’s batteries extending its flight time and range. (LiquidPiston)

The Air Force is investing in LiquidPiston’s X-Engine technology to create a hybrid-electric propulsion system to power emerging technologies like unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and orbs, the company said on March 4. The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract worth $150,000 was awarded through AFWERX to support Agility Prime, a program developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial and military use. UAS and eVTOLs are being developed with battery-powered propulsion systems that have limited their range of…

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