Sentinel Unmanned set themselves the challenging design brief to engineer a small unmanned aviation system (sUAS) which is both innovative and class leading:
It was decided that the system must be small, long ranged, capable of running on heavy fuel and rotary winged to allow the ability to hover in a single position.
In addition, the platform must be capable of carrying a large payload
Certain factors were also important to the brief:
Remote starting capability using heavy fuel
The system must be able to generate onboard power to ensure that a wide range of sensors and equipment can be used
The system must be capable of use in all situations, including hostile climate & terrain as well as marine environments
“By building our Longreach design around the RCV DF70LC unit we have achieved a sUAS with class leading capabilities in load, range and multi-fuel operation”
From the start of the project Sentinel worked closely with the RCV team to understand the requirements fully and develop a specification that would allow the design goals to be met
The engine that was chosen is the RCV 70cc twin cylinder liquid cooled unit (DF70LC) as it offers excellent power to weight ratio, a liquid cooling system and gives the ability to operate using heavy fuel
The airframe was designed in close co-operation with RCV to optimise the engine integration process
Max payload 6kgs
Max Endurance 8 hours
Multi-fuel operation JP5/JP8/Gasoline
Key Performance Features:
Maximum Take-off Weight: 30Kg
Aircraft Empty Weight: 16Kg
Maximum Indicated Airspeed: 75 knots – 139 km/hour
Fuel Capacity: 10 Litres
Fuel Consumption at Hover: 2 Litres/hour
Fuel Consumption at 60 Knots: 1.5 Litres/hour
Max Endurance: 8 hours
Max Endurance Hover: 6 hours
Payload (kgs) | Calculated Maximum Endurance (ISA conditions, AMSL) *Kerosene fuel
1: 8 hours
3: 7 hours
5: 6 hours
6: 4 hours
Payload (kgs) | Calculated Maximum Endurance – 100% Hover (ISA conditions, AMSL) *Kerosene fuel
1: 6 hours
3: 5 hours
5: 4 hours
6: 3 hours
Additional Benefits:
The Longreach platform is now one of the leading sUAS on the market. This would not have been achieved without the RCV engine. We have been able to fulfil all items on the original design brief and more
The collaboration with RCV has proved invaluable to the success of the project
“Now that we have used the RCV engine we would not hesitate in recommending it for use in other platforms”
The patented rotary valve system gives excellent mixture preparation and allows the use of heavy fuel without any measurable power loss
Proven remote starting using multiple fuels including heavy fuel (JP5/JP8/Jet A1 etc.)
Long MTBO. Up to 150 hours for rotary wing
The engine starts easily on all specified fuels in all conditions thanks to the inbuilt heaters, central spark plug position and efficient combustion system
The superb starting characteristics mean that the engine works well in all ambient conditions and altitudes
Small and Compact
Heavy Fuel Running
Generate Onboard Power
Remote Starting
Rotary Wing
Multi Environmental Use
Long Range - Fuel Efficient
Large Payload
Reliable & Low Maintainance