The powerplant known as HFE 2.0, previously recognized for its capabilities, has reached a significant milestone with the completion of durability testing. This marks its readiness for deployment in military drones, specifically the Gray Eagle. The Gray Eagle, a long-standing component of America’s aerial fleet, first flew two decades ago.
Modernization efforts are now focused on upgrading its engine. Several versions of the drone, including the Gray Eagle Extended Range and the Gray Eagle 25M, stand to benefit from this new engine.
The Extended Range variant, currently powered by a 180-horsepower heavy-fuel engine, will see an upgrade with the latest powerplant, which, after testing in El Mirage, California, now produces 200 horsepower due to improvements in the gearbox and dual brushless generators.
In its quest to enhance the functionalities of the 25M model drone, General Atomics is prioritizing the amplification of data storage and processing power. While a new engine isn’t mandatory for these advancements, the company has chosen the latest option to optimize the drone’s capabilities.
Enter the HFE 2.0, renowned as “the best heavy fuel engine in aviation” due to its remarkable endurance of up to 2,500 hours without necessitating overhauls or maintenance. Stringent real-world flight testing has reaffirmed its reliability and performance. With certification trials slated for September, the HFE 2.0 is positioned to raise the Gray Eagle’s capabilities, ensuring its ongoing excellence in defense and security missions.
