Aerovel's Flexrotor Unveils Heavy Fuel Engine Integration

Aerovel Corporation has recently unveiled the integration of a Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) into its Flexrotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft.

The incorporation of the proprietary fuel mixture control in the HFE is aimed at enhancing the Flexrotor's VTOL capabilities, with a focus on improving operational efficiency, range, and compatibility with maritime markets.

The Flexrotor, tailored for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions lasting 12-14 hours, now comes equipped with the HFE. With a maximum launch weight of 25 kg, it offers adaptability for various payloads to meet diverse mission requirements.

A standout feature of the Flexrotor is its autonomous launch and recovery capabilities, requiring only a 12 by 12 ft. area. This characteristic makes it suitable for expeditionary missions, minimizing operational footprint. Supported by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Flexrotor has been deployed in maritime security exercises and demonstrates applications in parapublic missions, such as forest fire surveillance and Arctic Ocean ice navigation.

The Flexrotor's first Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) units featuring the HFE are set to be deployed to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and Task Force 59. The deployment aims to assess the capabilities and reliability of the Flexrotor in operational scenarios.