SBIR-STTR Award

ERA will perform RDT&E that is needed for the Erickson Migrating Combustion Chamber (MCC) engine to prepare for flight testing in a Group 1 or Group 2 class unmanned vehicle. MCC internal combustion (IC) engines can operate on many fuels including JP-8 and provide extremely low acoustic and IR signatures for covert operation. This Phase I will complete a feasibility study that determines the required MCC engine enhancements for UAV flight testing. ERA will optimize their MCC IC engine technology and provide ultra-quiet operation that rivals electric powered UAVs while providing extended mission duration times that are not possible with current battery technology. Development will include JP-8 fuel operation and cold starting enhancements.

The Air Force needs new, innovative small engine technology to provide propulsion for small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS). Improved propulsion technology is needed to support Group 2 and Group 3 UAS for DoD’s global Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Innovative propulsion technology is needed that provides quiet operation, increased specific power, improved specific fuel consumption (SFC) and increased durability. The Air Force also wants innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies and solutions. ERA produces ultra-quiet alternate fuel engines for unmanned vehicles, APUs and commercial applications that can meet the following SUAS objectives: Quiet operation, increased specific power, improved specific fuel consumption (SFC) and increased durability. ERA will perform R&D, fabrication and testing on the Erickson migrating combustion chamber (MCC) engine to integrate this engine into a Group 2 unmanned vehicle for flight testing. The MCC internal combustion (IC) engine will provide extremely low acoustic and IR signatures for covert operations. It will have the capability to operate on JP-8 fuel and provide enhanced durability. This Phase II will continue the work from Phase I to determine the required MCC engine enhancements and integration that is required for unmanned vehicle flight testing and perform UAV flight testing