Press release
18/02/2008
Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) will unveil its new R902 (W) engine designed to further improve the operation of the Hermes® 450 UAV at the Singapore Air Show, scheduled to take place on February 18-22, 2008.
Elbit Systems, a world leading developer and manufacturer of UAV platforms, based its innovative R902 engine, also known as "W" (for "wide") engine, on the "Wankel" technology, as it determined the "Wankel's" performance characteristics, in particular, its outstanding power-to-size and weight ratio, were ideal for tactical unmanned aircrafts.
The "W" engine includes a larger combustion compartment than its predecessors, derived from an increase in the width of the Wankel Engine Block in a manner that allows for an engine weighing in at approximately 40 kg. to deliver over 70 BHP. The power-to-weight ratio of this engine is considered the best among internal combustion engines (Piston and Wankel engines), thus setting a new standard for UAV engines. The only other engines with high power-to-weight ratios are turbo (jet) engines. However, these engines consume vast amounts of fuel – in contrast to the fuel-economical R902, which can power Elbit Systems' Hermes® 450 UAV in the air for more than 20 consecutive hours. Moreover, Elbit Systems' new engine is equipped with electronic fuel control and a "starter-alternator" option for aerial ignition.
The engine's advanced features position it at the forefront of UAV engines world wide, a fact that further strengthens the position of the Hermes® 450 UAV as a leading platform capable of effectively performing its security missions and war against terror at high levels of reliability.