The US Navy has partnered with L3Harris Technologies to develop a heavy fuel engine variant of the FVR-90 drone.
The new version will feature the A99 HFE (heavy fuel engine system), which is more capable and agile than the current engine, according to L3Harris.
A heavy fuel such as jet fuel is more energy dense than a light fuel such as gasoline, allowing the aircraft to carry more fuel.
VTOL System for Austere Environments
The FVR-90 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) system operates without launch and recovery equipment, offering greater tactical mobility in austere environments.
It has an endurance of 12 to 18 hours with an 8 to 22-pound (3.6 to 10-kilogram) payload.
The collaboration will allow L3Harris to demonstrate other company technologies on the system, including the CMDL tactical radio and the Wescam MX-8 EO/IR payload.
“Unmanned systems play an increasingly important role in military tactical and strategic operations, and this project is a big step forward in positioning ourselves for successful mission support against evolving Navy and Marine Corps UAS threats and mission requirements,” L3Harris President of Space and Airborne Systems Ed Zoiss said.
“Our system provides a plethora of different capabilities that can be applied to a wide range of operations; from humanitarian assistance, to search and rescue, to surveillance and reconnaissance. The ultimate goal is to provide our warfighters with cutting-edge technologies that enhance their capabilities and keep them safe.”