Courtesy photos.
GOLETA — Three months after introducing their revolutionary, hybrid GenSet technology for drones, Santa Barbara-based LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. (“LaunchPoint”) announced (Aug. 12) in collaboration with Offshore Aviation, the success of their extended flight trials.
Offshore tested their advanced unmanned quadcopter aircraft, the OA-8C (ER) Dragonfly, fitted with LaunchPoint’s integrated 5.5 kW hybrid-electric HPS055 GenSet. With LaunchPoint’s flight-extending technology, the Dragonfly’s hover endurance increased to more than 90 minutes in 90-degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature conditions without refueling, effectively tripling the range of current battery-powered drones on the market. In both forward flight and in lower temperatures, endurance is expected to increase. The weight of the test configuration flown was reported at 62 lbs. (28.1 kg) empty with 13 lbs. (5.9 kg) of fuel. The total weight at take-off was 75 lbs. (34.1 kg).
“We are excited to announce the success of our test flights of the 5.5 kW GenSets with our partner Offshore Aviation,” stated LaunchPoint CEO Rob Reali. “The trials’ results bring us a big step closer to hybrid-electric flight becoming a commercial reality. With the LaunchPoint Genset, flight time is increased over the incumbent all-electric design by 3x the duration from 30-minutes to a best-in-class time of 90-minutes with an increased payload. We plan to significantly increase that number soon. We’re targeting 4x the endurance or higher with our value engineering efforts in progress to achieve double digit improvements.”
LaunchPoint’s hybrid-electric GenSet are optimal flight solutions. The GenSets integrate their lightweight electric machines and controllers with engines to produce highly efficient and sophisticated electric power generators that are more power dense than comparable generators. An aircraft equipped with a LaunchPoint GenSet and battery pack enables more than three times the flight duration of those currently available while carrying the same or greater payloads. The HPS055 system produces 0.52 kW/kg continuous power with a peak power output of more than 7 kW using a recommended battery pack in parallel with the GenSet.
Offshore Aviation are world leaders in the development of unmanned aerial systems for defense and commercial use. “The flight of our aircraft with LaunchPoint’s GenSet range-extending capabilities will greatly benefit our current and future defense and commercial clients, including creating new opportunities for use of our novel drones” said Robert Hicks, CEO of the Maryland-based maritime and aviation services company.
In November 2020, LaunchPoint launched its HPS400 (40 kW) GenSet concurrently with its first customer shipments to power large cargo drones and to accommodate future flying vehicle missions that require extended ranges of flight and large payloads. Their innovative technology offers new opportunities for companies in what is known as the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) markets.
LaunchPoint plans its initial roll-out of GenSets for drone propulsion to the U.S. DoD, U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Forestry Service, and in general to the Department of Homeland Security, offering all entities the opportunity to expand their communication, surveillance and delivery capabilities while creating a safer, more reliable environment for those out in the field.
LaunchPoint is attending the upcoming Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia from August 16 – 18, 2021 and will be sharing more information about their GenSet technologies. Please contact Chris Grieco at the below email to arrange a discussion.
About LaunchPoint — LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. is an aerospace propulsion company that specializes in Gensets, motors, and controllers to enable efficient and reliable hybrid-electric and full electric flight for unmanned air vehicles and the advanced air mobility markets. LaunchPoint’s scalable technologies also serve advanced thermal management needs and auxiliary power generation for air and ground applications.
Visit www.LaunchpointEPS.com to learn more about the Company.
– Contact Chris Grieco, Sr. Vice President of Business Development and Sales at cgrieco@launchpointeps.com for more information about the Company’s products.
About Offshore Aviation Group — Offshore Aviation is a Veteran owned company that offers a range of services, designed to support the warfighter. Whether it is fleet support, UAS test and evaluation, target support, or deploying equipment halfway around the world, OAG can quickly and precisely provide you the assets and expertise you need.
Visit www.offshoreaviation.com to learn more about the Company.