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. 

Currawong Engineering Cortex-50 Hybrid Engine System

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:

Currawong Engineering Cortex-50 Hybrid Engine System

APPROXIMTE DIMENSIONS

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

 

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admin@currawong.aero

Canada and the USA

For USA and Canada ESC customers, please contact our partner, Power4Flight