Miniature Aerial vehicles:
Propulsion and Energy Sources
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Most miniature UAVs are
powered by electrical motors, which limit their endurance to 1 – 2
hours, enabled by the power density provided by the batteries
carried on board. Although internal combustion (piston) engines
could provide a good alternative, their noise signature, weight
and reliability are not suitable for MAV applications. Current
MAVs are using specially designed lithium primary batteries, while
new high density
zinc-air cells have also been introduced, to
offer up to 33% higher density power compared to lithium
batteries. Zinc-Air batteries are designed specifically for mini-UAV
applications. Developmental items have already been tested with
NASA on a micro-UAV, flying a 58 minute mission. Other designs are
underway for micro UAVs such as IAI
Mosquito, as part of
an Israel's MOD R&D program. Future applications of DARPA's "palm power" power
cells could also be applied to MAVs, offering extended range and
endurance.
