Cortex-50 Hybrid Engine
The Cortex-50 UAV Hybrid engine is a seamlessly integrated single-cylinder 2-stroke EFI system designed to take advantage of the superior specific energy of traditional fuel to power electrically driven motors, vastly increasing their range.
Based on the industry proven Currawong Corvid-50 direct-drive engine, the Cortex-50 is a petrol engine with hybrid power capability which can act as a replacement for batteries whilst still providing electrical power to motors, decreasing the weight of the vehicle and allowing for longer endurance.
The hybrid architecture of the system allows for bi-directional power flow between the electrical system and the engine. During normal operation the engine can provide power to onboard electrical systems and charge batteries while providing prop power for flight. This allows for lower battery weight and better aircraft range. Power can also be directed from the battery system to the engine for self-starting, power boost during flight and in-air engine restart.
Available Now.
SPECIFICATIONS
Part Number |
CE1224B |
Engine Type |
2-stroke single cylinder |
Displacement |
50cc |
Weight |
4.7 kg (10.36 lb) (Complete Engine System – Generator, Low Noise Exhaust, cooling system, Isolation Mount, EFI inc. Fuel pump, Transmuter and harness) |
Fuel Type |
Petrol (UMAN-VP4F Heavy Fuel variant also available) |
Fuel Consumption |
600 g/kW-hr (electrical) at 5000 RPM & 50% throttle* |
Fuel System |
Electronic Fuel Injection |
Power |
2.1 kW (continuous electrical) + battery boost** |
Ignition |
CDI |
Cooling |
Air-Cooled |
Ambient Operating Temperature |
-20°C – 45°C+ |
TBO |
300+ hrs |
Targeted MTOW |
18-20 kg |
System Voltage |
58.8 V / 14s (LiPo) |
*Heavy fuel may change performance numbers of the above and is dependent on the application
**Battery boost: Short boosts of up to 7.5kW can be easily achieved depending on the type of battery used and capacity available. Please note that this will discharge the battery as the generator is limited to 2.1kW.
SPECIFICATIONS
Part Number |
Engine Type |
Displacement |
Weight |
Fuel Type |
Fuel Consumption |
Power |
Generator |
Ignition |
Cooling |
Ambient Operating Range |
TBO |
Recommended MTOW |
Transmuter Voltage |
Transmuter Current (Sustained/Peak) |
Transmuter Power |
Transmuter Operating Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CE2169
|
2-stroke Series Hybrid
|
50cc
|
4.7kg (10.36lb)
(Engine, Generator, Low Noise Exhaust, cooling system, Isolation Mount, EFI inc. Triplex pump, Transmuter and harness) |
Petrol or UMAN-VP4F Heavy Fuel
|
600 g/kW-hr (electrical) at 5000 RPM & 50% throttle*
|
2.1kW (electrical) at 7500RPM
|
130 KV
|
CDI
|
Air-Cooled
|
-20°C – 45°C+
|
350 hrs
|
40kg
|
60V/14S
|
150A/300A
|
7.5kW
|
-20°C – 100°C (Internal)
|
*Heavy fuel may change performance numbers of the above and is dependent on the application
OPTIONAL VARIANT – UMAN-VP4F HEAVY FUEL
Through research Currawong discovered previous investigations into the use of Isopar as an alternative fuel for gasoline powered engines. Isopar maintains the benefit of a high octane level while providing a high flash point, an important safety consideration and one of the primary benefits of heavy fuel. It also has lower risks for handling and is essentially odourless making it much more pleasant for operators.
Have a look at our Datasheet for more information
TRIPLEX PUMP (FOR HEAVY FUEL VARIANT)
In order to suitably atomise UMAN-VP4F heavy fuel, the Cortex-HF50 engine makes use of the Currawong designed Triplex pump.
The Triplex fuel pump’s unique three piston design provides high pressure, smooth fuel delivery and a tightly integrated control system for precise regulation of fuel delivery.
The Triplex pump is self-priming and capable of metering fuel flow with <1% error.
HYBRID TRANSMUTER
The Currawong designed Hybrid Transmuter maintains a balance of energy-flow through the system, managing battery charging and the changing load requirements of the UAV. The transmuter determines whether to deliver power from the engine to the batteries, or from the batteries to the engine.
Based on the high power, high reliability Currawong Velocity ESC the Currawong Hybrid Transmuter provides the same unmatched level of robustness, testing and traceability.
CORTEX-50 HYBRID ENGINE INSTALLED ON CORVO SAMSON UAV:
INCLUDED IN ENGINE PACKAGE
- Ignition unit
- Spark plug
- Fuel injector
- Crank sensor
- Throttle servo
- Temperature sensors including Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) and Manifold Air Temperature (MAT)
- Manifold Pressure Sensor
- Throttle Body and Manifold
- Exhaust
- Cooling duct and cooling control servo
CORETX-50 HYBRID ENGINE INSTALLED ON SAI DYNAMICS UAV FOR OUT OF FUEL TEST:
Currawong Engineering
54 Patriarch Drive, Huntingfield, Tasmania 7055
(03) 6229 1973
Email or Follow Us
admin@currawong.aero
Canada and the USA
For USA and Canada ESC customers, please contact our partner, Power4Flight