At the National Research University (NRU) "MPEI", power electronics have been created for the heavy drone of the Sukhoi Design Bureau (part of UAC) — the UAV S-76. This was reported by the university's press service.
The drone has 8 propellers. They provide the possibility of vertical takeoff and landing. In the tail section of the fuselage is a gasoline cruise engine. It starts working after takeoff and accelerates the aircraft to the speed when the wing creates sufficient lift.
The new installation includes a control system and power converters for the electric motors of the UAV propellers. At the beginning of the cruise engine's operation, the control system of the power converters stops and rotates the propeller blades. This reduces air resistance.
It is expected that the new development will allow creating energy-efficient solutions in the field of drones, electric aircraft, and air taxis.
It is worth noting that the UAV S-76 can take off vertically from a 17x17 platform. The payload of the drone is 300 kg, the flight range is 500 km. The aircraft was presented at the "Army-2024" forum.
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