The University of Maryland spinoff, Wave Engine Corporation, has introduced a digitally controlled pulsejet engine for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Wave Engine Corporation recently announced the delivery of its initial J-1 engines to an undisclosed “aerospace prime contractor on contract with the US government,” highlighting the confidential nature of their operations.
Additionally, other clients are working on integrating the J-1 engines into their UAV designs, broadening the engine’s reach.
The J-1, a sleek device resembling a trombone, is engineered for high-speed UAVs with a gross vehicle weight of up to 200 lbs (90 kg). Weighing 18 lbs (8.2 kg) and measuring 5.5 x 12.5 x 64 inches (14 x 32 x 163 cm), the J-1 can operate on various fuels, including gasoline, E85 bioethanol, or kerosene-based jet fuel, and generates up to 55 lbf (245 N) of thrust.
Unlike traditional jet engines that rely on rotational components, the J-1 pulsejet leverages combustion-driven pressure waves to generate thrust, eliminating the need for moving parts. This process involves intermittent combustion within the engine chamber, which increases temperature and pressure, expelling hot gases from both ends of the tube and creating thrust. A partial vacuum then forms, drawing in fresh air and repeating the cycle.
Pulsejet technology has been around since the early 20th century, but Wave Engine Corporation has modernized it with electronic controls, making it ideal for the burgeoning UAV market. The company asserts that its pulsejet technology offers high-speed propulsion at a lower cost and with faster scalability compared to conventional jet engines.
Beyond the J-1, Wave is developing a larger K-1 engine, which promises up to 220 lbf (979 N) of thrust, suitable for aircraft weighing up to 1,000 lbs (454 kg). This technology holds potential not only for UAVs but also for larger commercial applications and a new class of high-speed vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The engine family has been tested at airspeeds of 200 mph (322 km/h).
“We are looking forward to working with our customers to increase production and bring an unmatched combination of cost, simplicity and flight performance to market,” said Wave CEO Daanish Maqbool, emphasizing the company’s future goals.
In the video below, you can watch the latest J-1-powered flight using Wave’s Scitor-D UAV, showcasing a spectacular fireball-spewing start:
Source: Wave Engine Corporation