New Lightweight Turbocharger a Boost for UAVs and Small Aircraft

  • Published
  • By Holly Jordan
  • Aerospace Systems
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  AFRL, in partnership with Azmark Aero Systems, an aerospace gas turbine developer and aircraft hardware manufacturer, has developed and demonstrated the lightest weight turbocharger in its power class. This work was funded by AFRL as a Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Phase 2 program. The turbocharger is intended for use on 30-50 horsepower class engines and features an electronically actuated, variable-area turbine nozzle. The complete system, including electronic servo actuator, weighs less than three pounds.

This innovative turbocharger can be used for augmenting engine power, resulting in improved takeoff performance. It can also be used for altitude compensation. The turbocharger's variable turbine nozzle vanes enable it to generate boost at part-power throttle settings for lower fuel consumption in cruise.

This technology has potential application to a wide variety of vehicles, such as unmanned air vehicles, airborne auxiliary power units, and even small private aircraft.