Northwest UAV NW-44 Engine hits 1000 combat flight hours
The Northwest UAV NW-44 Engine – the only cutting edge propulsion system ever developed for small unmanned aerial systems – has now successfully logged over 1000 combat flight hours, demonstrating its unique value to the UAS community by changing what’s possible with small UAVs.
McMinnville, OR: In just a few years, from concept to first flight, the Northwest UAV NW-44 Multi-Fuel Engine has reached the noteworthy milestone of logging over 1000 combat flight hours. This milestone demonstrates the unique value the NW-44 Engine and Northwest UAV team bring to the unmanned aerial systems community.
Built specifically for small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that require extreme endurance and high reliability, the NW-44 Engine is a lightweight, multi-fuel UAV engine that is easily configured to meet mission requirements. Filling a niche in the UAV marketplace, the NW-44 engine supports smaller aircraft, with approximate weights between 40-75 lbs., that need to remain quiet for a long period of time. In other words, it’s a heavy-duty, hardworking, reliable engine for a considerably small UAV.
“Early on we recognised the need to develop professional grade engines for the UAV industry. Hobby engines are fine for initial UAV development, but when you fly 15-20 hours a day in theatre with temperatures exceeding 40c, you will quickly reach the limitations of a hobby grade engine, with very disappointing results,” remarked Chris Harris, President and Owner of NWUAV. “The NW-44 Multi Fuel Engine was developed with reliability, durability and fuel efficiency at the forefront with low weight and cost of ownership a close second. Program managers and airframe designers should take note of this COTS engine solution as it is a complete engine system ready to install with little to no development or engineering costs.”
The milestone of 1000 combat flight hours is significant for Northwest UAV and their NW-44 Engine in more ways than one. Not only does it validate for NWUAV customers the promised endurance and reliability of the NW-44 Engine, but it also showcases the expertise of the NWUAV team. As NWUAV’s first small multi-fuel UAV engine, the success of the NW-44 Engine demonstrates the proficiency that Northwest UAV is capable of, with UAV engines and UAS engineering.
“We are very proud of the team we’ve built over the years and the family-friendly company culture we’ve maintained,” Heather Sorenson, NWUAV Director/Compliance Officer said. “Even as we continue to grow, our entire team – from the engineers and technicians to administrative staff – remains collaborative, and maintains a balance between innovation and pragmatism. That collaboration is what keeps us successful.”
About Northwest UAV
As America’s leader in UAV propulsion system design and manufacturing, Northwest UAV continues to prove its reputation for reliable, cost effective and innovative UAV engines and support systems through meticulous engineering, testing, and manufacturing. Founded in 2005 by President and Owner Chris Harris, NWUAV continues to safely and effectively manage all aspects of product development, from initial concept design through production and beyond to maintenance and overhauls. When you need to get in the air and stay there, count on the team at NWUAV. AS9100/ISO9001 (AS9104-1) Certified, DCAA compliant operation.
