Our SP-180 SRE goes Heavy fuel – please have a look SP-180 HF SRE
The engine also a fully hybrid version.

#VTOL #propulsion #helicopter #uas #uav #uavs #twostroke #2stroke #combustion #engine #engines #rotary #wankel #hybrind #generators #PMU #madeingermany #skypower #3winternational #customerexperience #fixedwing #targetdrone #propulsionsolution #globalservice #exhaust #research #rescue #aerospace #aviation #engineering #safety #maintenance #oilandgas

SP-180 HF SRE

We will be part of AUVSI XPONENTIAL Atlanta 2021
looking forward meeting you.

to schedule a meeting – please get in contact with us!

#VTOL #propulsion #helicopter #uas #uav #uavs #twostroke #2stroke #combustion #engine #engines #rotary #wankel #hybrind #generators #PMU #madeingermany #skypower #3winternational #customerexperience #fixedwing #targetdrone #propulsionsolution #globalservice #exhaust #research #rescue #aerospace #aviation #engineering #safety #maintenance #oilandgas #

manufacturing #training #equipment

SP-55 TS carburetor engine to demonstrate its endurance and reliability using a high stress running profile per FAR33.

“After a test period of 150 hours, as well as another 30 run-in hours prior to testing, the SP-55 TS successfully completed the test,” Karsten Schudt, Managing Director, looks back on the test. Prior to starting, various objectives were defined that were to be achieved with the endurance test. These included load limit and endurance data. At the same time, the airworthiness of the engine was proven and documented by us qualifying reliability against defined FAA standards. “And, of course, we wanted to collect data to further assess product operating limits, maintenance schedules, and hourly operating costs as they relate to the product life cycle,” says Schudt, describing the test objectives.

The SP-55 single-cylinder engine is one of our longest standing engines and comes in different versions. The new version, the SP-55 FI TS hybrid is designed to generate electricity for unmanned aircraft systems. The engine has twin spark plugs and is equipped with a fuel injection system. With this new engine, we want to address users of solely electric propulsion technologies who are looking for an efficient generator solution not only for unmanned flight systems but also for other applications.

• Controllable via CAN (optional generator start input)
• Battery voltage 36-75V (nominal 48V)
• Max. power 2KW @ 48VDC (40A@MSL)
• Generator current sensor
• External load current sensor (via CAN)
• Temperature monitoring
• Overload derating
• Programmable battery charging current
• Standalone operation
• Automatic throttle regulation due to external load current sensor
• Advanced combustion engine start

Our product portfolio  is now also online available. The propulsion systems, spareparts and consumables are available for purchase via a newly established online store

SP-275 FI TS ROS

The power dense compact solution for UAS, UAV, VTOL, Helicopter, Fixed wing operations
The propulsion unit can also be delivered in a Heavy fuel configuration, with EFI and starter generator.  our new controller SGC-352
has only a weight of 500g. The EFI-System communicates via CAN protocoll to the ECU. Hybrid functionality is also possible.

Learn more about this engine here.

The propulsion unit generates the following thrust with a 32x 18 (2-blade) Mejzlik Propeller:
39.7 at 4000 RPM
62.1 at 5000 RPM
89.4 at 6500 RPM

In the past few weeks, 3W-International GmbH has gone through some turbulent times that brought about many new developments and changes. These tumultuous times culminated in a very successful Xponential 2018. Karsten Schudt, Managing Partner at 3W-International GmbH, has now commented on these developments.

In the weeks leading up to the Xponential, there had been many changes around 3W-International: the new production partner Sky Power, new products, new sales staff in Europe and North America, and also a changed presence on the Xponential. How did the market respond to these developments?

Karsten Schudt (KS): There have indeed been many changes in our environment, some intended, some unintended. Nevertheless, the trade show in Denver has shown that our customers understand why we had to implement these changes at our company. For us, the Xponential 2018 has been one of the most successful trade shows in our history. Naturally, some people approached us with questions about what was going on, however, we were able to reassure them that we are well positioned for the future and will continue to be a reliable partner for our customers. The market for propulsion units in general is currently on the move.

Are you referring to the filing for insolvency of your supplier 3W-Modellmotoren?

KS: No, not directly. Obviously, this incident prompted some adjustments on our side. However, even here it can be stated that this topic is not really a cause of concern for us as we are well positioned for the future with Sky Power and reliable partners. We do not wish to get involved in all the other speculations around 3W-Modellmotoren as we no longer maintain business relations with the company. But when we look at the market on a larger scale, the insolvency and sale of Hirth was also associated with many changes.

What changes are you referring to exactly?

KS: 3W-International, together with Sky Power, is the last German-owned engine manufacturer. Many new customers contact us precisely since they are looking for a reliable partner who focusses on long-term customer relations. Therefore we expanded the sales area before the trade show, with tangible effects. Nevertheless, our customers also expect technical further developments along the requirements of future markets. With our Engine Kit, which we presented at the trade show for the first time, we have demonstrated that we are more than just a mere engine supplier. The discussions we had with our customers at the trade fair have shown that we are recognized as a manufacturer of complete application-based propulsion units.

After the trade show is before the trade show – which new products will you showcase in Chicago next year?

KS: First and foremost, we have to concentrate on processing and implementing the Sky Power engine line as well as our Wankel rotary engine projects. Add to this more than 100 inquiries originating from the trade show, which have to be attended to. We are also very busy in the sales area. Moreover, we have set up a development plan for the coming 1 ½ years. This means that we will continue to work actively on the further development of each individual engine aiming to make these more efficient and even more reliable. Reducing fuel consumption is the crucial factor in this regard. In addition, our new development department has already come up with some ideas that will be implemented in the coming months. Consequently, we will certainly present new products at the next Xponential – and surely in a less turbulent environment leading up to the trade show.

On the sidelines of the Xponential 2018 in Denver, the German engine manufacturer signed a distribution agreement with IHATEK Ltd. Effective from June 1^st, IHATEK Ltd. will market and distribute the products of 3W-International GmbH, as well as those of Sky Power GmbH, in Turkey.

“We are looking forward to this strategic partnership. The team of IHATEK Ltd.  is involved in many Turkish UAS projects and has gained a great amount of experience in the Turkish market over the past few years. This is why IHATEK Ltd.  is the ideal partner for us,” as Karsten Schudt, Managing Partner at 3W-International GmbH, announced on the occasion of the signing of the contract in the USA. Gökhan Celik, Managing Director of IHATEK Ltd. adds: “The engines manufactured by 3W-International have an excellent reputation. 3W-International built engines are particularly suited for demanding projects that focus on efficiency, low fuel consumption and high TBOs.”

In addition to 3W-International engines, IHATEK Ltd. will also distribute the engines of Sky Power which were presented at the Xponential for the first time. “We will be working together very closely, as this is the only way to ensure that we can offer Turkish customers the best propulsion solutions,” as Schudt continues to explain. For this reason, the German engine supplier will also actively support IHATEK Ltd. on site. The development of service structures in Turkey is planned for the 2^nd half of the year. “This will put us in a position to offer our customers consultancy, sales, maintenance and service as a one-stop supplier,” as Celik points out.

European Security & Defence – Interview with Karsten Schudt, Managing Director of 3W-International

ESD: In 2009 you entered the professional UAS market with 3W-International. How has the market changed since then?

Schudt: At that time, the market was very clearly driven by military demand. The military recognised the utility of unmanned systems very early on and was also naturally a financier that invested in and advanced new developments — such as the Heavy Fuel engine. The situation has changed, because today many UAS are used for civil or commercial applications, which means that in addition to the state there are now also private investors who invest money in the development of non-military applications.

ESD: To what extent has this changed the business for engines?

Schudt: Back in 2009, our business consisted of selling 2-stroke engines. The customer was less interested in consultation, let alone in the engine’s adaptation to his application area, so we were basically a simple engine supplier. That changed a bit when we were asked to apply our expertise to developing Heavy Fuel engines, but the sales activity barely changed little. However, in the past two to three years, it has been possible to detect a pronounced change in demand and in our customers’ behaviour; that change goes hand in glove with civil and commercial applications. And now we’ve moved away from a purely sales business towards long-term project management, including pre-prototyping feasibility studies.

ESD: What are the reasons for these changes in the market?

Schudt: We are no longer purely an engine supplier; instead, we have developed ourselves into an expert partner for propulsion solutions based upon 2-stroke and Wankel-engine technology. Our customers are increasingly focussed on efficiency: UAS have to achieve maximum range with maximum payload and minimum fuel consumption. That is a balancing act, of course, and compromises have to be made somewhere, but it is ultimately about the propulsion being tuned to the customer’s needs. This means that we work very closely together with our clients, and become involved in the project early on so that we understand what our customers really want from us. So with our performance partner, Sky Power GmbH, we have developed an engine construction kit with which we can quickly visualise, engineer and combine the components to meet the customer’s equirement.

ESD: Please tell us more about Sky Power.

Schudt: We have commissioned Sky Power to be our performance partner. Sky Power’s function for us resembles that of a contract tuner for a car manufacturer – say, AMG to our Mercedes. Customer modifications, customisation, new developments and components, and the performance enhancement of 3W products are the goals of the partnership.

ESD: What role does Germany play as a site for such corporate developments?

Schudt: Germany is known for its engine technology, and “Made in Germany” is an important quality and sales factor. The quality of 3W engines stems from several factors, including technical expertise, long-term experience, tradition, and state-of-the-art production, and these contribute to one of the highest quality standards in the industry. From R&D and prototyping, to manufacturing and calibration, 3W guarantees constant and permanent quality control. Every manufacturing step is traceable, and employees are personally responsible for the fulfilment of 3W quality standards. And our component suppliers and partners share these standards and guarantee these quality requirements. 3W is opposed to offshore manufacturing; we will stay true to Germany as a company location and the business will remain in German hands – making us the only combustionengine

manufacturer in Germany in the UAS arena that is not owned by China. We are planning a massive product and service expansion in coming years. To do so, we need engine expertise and experience that we can only find, first-hand, in Germany.

ESD: What of the immediate future?

Schudt: We introduced the first hybrid Wankel engine in 2017, and will expand our product range based on Wankel engine technology. Issues such as improving efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and using hybrid 2-stroke engines are both current and future topics with which we are occupying ourselves. And of course we shall continue to work closely together with our customers: propulsion units tailored to the customers’ needs are the future of engine development for UAS.

ESD: And looking further ahead?

Schudt: We very clearly want to expand our position as a leading supplier of engines, upholding the banner of German engine construction in the UAS area. Moreover, we see good opportunities for our Wankel engine technology to be used in remote UAS applications, for instance, as a range extender for electric mobility or purely as a small generator. But these are other markets that we’ll be looking at in the near future.

April 2018 · European Security & Defence – The interview was conducted by Stephen Barnard.

A-techsyn — manufacturer of VTOLs, fixed-wing UASs, target-acquisition drones, and communications and autopilot systems — will introduce the first VTOL equipped with one of 3W-International-performance-partner Sky Power’s engines at Xponential 2018 as part of the 3W-Interntational exhibition stand. A SP-110 FI TS based on 3W-International GmbH’s 110 ccm model is involved here. The engine can be deployed both as vertical drive and for power generation.

A-techsyn Ltd. is a company from Shannon, Ireland, which has been intensely occupied in recent years with the development of UASs and the associated communication and flight systems. The CGT45-SLT vertical take-off aircraft was equipped with the retrofitted engine as part of the collaboration with 3W-International and Sky Power. “The CGT45-SLT has been used in Turkey for some time now. However, we were looking for a new engine concept in order to increase the range and pay load”, explains Gokhan Celik, managing director of A-techsyn. That’s why the Irish company contacted 3W-International. “The standard 3W-110i B2 TS engine’s performance parameters would also have sufficed, but ultimately the choice fell to the SP-110 FI TS from Sky Power”, according to Karsten Schudt, managing director of 3W-International.

The CGT45-SLT is a 4.5 m wingspan, T-tail UAV. It uses electric powered motors for take-off and landing and does not require a runway or catapult. The VTOL can take off from a table and land with high accuracy on a 5 m × 5 m surface. It is a composite airframe with 4 kg payload capacity. At the basic set-up, CGT45-SLT uses 3 separate communication systems for datalink, video-link, and the FPV. The datalink system operates at 900–922 MHz, FPV at 1.2 GHz, and the video-link at 2.4 GHz. The video-link uses IP communication and 128-bit SSL encryption to secure the data transferred. Video and data may be broadcast if desired. The CGT45-SLT has a 50 kg MTOW (including payload). It can be operated by only two people. The CGT45-SLT is controlled by A-techsyn’s flight controller AvionicsMini. This flight controller is using CAN BUS interface to communicate with the new ECU030 by Sky Power.

Beside the ECU030, the SP-110 FI TS is equipped with the new HKZ215 ignition from Sky Power too. “Thanks to the two new systems, the engine can be tuned exactly to environmental conditions as well as to the customer’s wishes”, explains Karl Schudt, managing director at Sky Power. The system has four ignition channels with two separately settable injection nozzles. Pump pressure is regulated electronically. A cold-start function of the engine is possible without further ado. The automatic controller adjusts the fuel mixture to the current cylinder temperature, air pressure, and exterior temperature. The high-performance HKZ system was developed for significantly greater ignition powers. The engine’s overall fuel efficiency is thereby enhanced and the exhaust values improved. “With the new ignition and injection system, we achieve better power performance in 3W engines, plus a significant reduction of fuel consumption”, explains Karl Schudt.

In addition to the CGT45-SLT, A-techsysn will exhibit its own autopilot, PilotUS, as well as further systems developed for its own flight systems, on the 3W-International stand during Xponential.

3W-International, Sky Power, and A-techsyn are located at stand 2210.

The executive management of 3W-Modellmotoren GmbH, which acted as production service provider for 3W-International GmbH, filed for bankruptcy during the past week. For this reason, Karsten Schudt, managing director of 3W-International GmbH, is making a statement that the leading engine supplier for UASs is covered concerning this development.

“Both companies were independent of one another. Nonetheless, the decision of 3W-Modellmotoren’s executive management didn’t catch us entirely unprepared”, reports Karsten Schudt. During the past months, Schudt and his employees became aware that some of 3W-Modellmotoren’s executive management had their eyes on other corporate goals and were no longer interested in regular deliveries to 3W-International. No solution could be reached even after copious discussions so that 3W-International saw itself compelled to establish new production options. In this context, Sky Power GmbH was founded in early 2018 as performance partner and as its own production service provider.

“We were informed about the bankruptcy filing by 3W-Modellmotoren’s executive management. We maintained silence about the filing, but this week we received the first calls from our customers about the extent to which this bankruptcy impacts us. That’s why we saw ourselves compelled to make a public statement about this development”, Schudt continues. Since the two companies are independent of one another, this development doesn’t affect 3W-International. The expansion of Sky Power GmbH will continue as will further development of engines and auxiliary systems.

An in-house production building, into which two new test stands are also being integrated, has been rented for this purpose in the greater Frankfurt area. Production is being established and implemented under the guidelines of ISO 9001. “We’ve also conducted talks with our long-standing suppliers and have been able to retain them all for the long term.

The extent to which 3W-International will be able to support 3W-Modellmotoren’s customers with spare parts and maintenance is unclear at the moment. “We’ve first got to wait for the bankruptcy filing. Furthermore, we have a different engine portfolio than 3W-Modellmotoren because our engines aren’t orientated towards hobby use. We can ultimately only guarantee spare parts, service, and consulting if the engines were demonstrably delivered by 3W-International. That’s why we can only urgently advise against purchasing 3W-International engines from third parties not belonging to 3W-International Sales”, explains Schudt. 3W-International Sales participants can be requested from 3W-International.

If you’re looking to harness the power of unmanned technology, AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2018 is the spot. An intersection of cutting-edge innovation and real-world applications, XPONENTIAL is the one event that brings all things unmanned into sharp focus.

Join more than 8,500 industry leaders and forward-thinking users from both the defense and commercial sectors to learn the latest on policy, business use cases and technology applications – and grab your share of this billion dollar industry.

30.04. – 03.05.2018

USA, Denver, Colorado Convention Center, Booth 2210

To further expand market presence in North America, 3W-International is expanding its own direct sales structure in this important target market. With Constantin Diehl, a representative has been acquired who will actively represent the German engine manufacturer in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

“We look forward to having Constantin Diehl, an excellent connoisseur of the North American UAS scene, on board”, remarks Karsten Schudt, managing director of 3W-International GmbH. Diehl has been president of Clusters UAS Colorado since 2013, and is thus engaged in various areas of unmanned air travel. He was previously active in sales for German automotive suppliers in the USA and Germany. “Many of our customer projects require strong sales-orientated project management, which Constantin brings with him via his professional experience”, according to Schudt.

This is especially important for the German engine manufacturer, because the company places value on great customer orientation and customer loyalty. “3W-International is the last remaining German 2-stroke combustion-engine manufacturer in the UAS industry. All of the others are meanwhile in Chinese hands. That means Made in Germany quality is exactly what our customers demand from us. But we can only do this if we communicate closely with the customer and know what current and future requirements he imposes on our products”, continues Schudt.

Diehl will support both sales project management and marketing for North America. “I look forward to collaborate with 3W-International. The company has a good reputation, and is known for its engine quality and innovation”, according to Diehl. Beginning in April, Diehl will support customers in the USA, Canada, and Mexico from Denver as a direct contact person.

3W-International GmbH authorised Sky Power GmbH for further development and performance enhancement of 3W engines. Along this line, the first new additional products and new performance engines will be presented even before Xponential 2018 in Denver.

“We look forward to the results because we can provide our customers with a broad range of performance engines”, explains Karsten Schudt, managing partner at 3W-International GmbH. In addition to the standard engines from 3W-International, propulsion units to be individually optimized in matters of consumption and performance were being repeatedly requested from the customers’ side. “Sky Power’s function is similar to a contract tuner for a car manufacturer. Customer adaptations, new developments, and performance enhancement of 3W products are the goal of that partnership.”, according to Schudt.

As the first step, Sky Power GmbH implemented an improvement in the ignition and injection systems, which are destined to be used in all 3W engines. “The initial tests are promising and show that we can expect massive fuel savings. We’ve already introduced the systems at individual conferences with positive feedback. The first engines will be presented to professional visitors at the Xponential in Denver.

3W-International will present the latest developments at booth no. 2210.

Increasing demand for 2-stroke engines has prompted Hessian company 3W-International to expand its sales structure. But it’s not just about the expansion of pure sales structures; it’s also about expanding project management capacities.

“We’re experiencing increasing demand for propulsion solutions. It involves not the sale of an engine off the shelf here, but customer-specific solutions tuned to the respective application goals. For this support, we need experienced project managers with a strong sale orientation”, explains Karsten Schudt, managing partner at 3W-International GmbH. That’s why George Bouvier was engaged as sales and project manager.

Bouvier is a technically versed, deeply experienced project manager who, in the last thirty years, has implemented complex production projects in the international electronics industry. “No two electronic products are alike. Given that, we have here a strong parallel to the drive units for unmanned systems, which will have to be tuned much more heavily to the applications, flight parameters, and areas of use”, according to Schudt.

For one thing, Bouvier will support the francophone market as well as selected international projects. “I look forward to the new assignment in one of the global markets of the future”, Bouvier declares. Following intensive, technical training Bouvier will act for 3W-International for the first time at this year’s Xponential.

The second edition of U.T.SEC – Unmanned Technologies & Security Expo & Conference will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, 7-8 March 2018, at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, in parallel with Enforce Tac, the special exhibition for police equipment. The entire focus of this still quite new trade fair is on drones and unmanned systems, how they can be used to improve security, and also how to defend against these technologies in structures that are relevant from a security perspective. The patron for the event is Franz Josef Pschierer, Under-Secretary at the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology.

The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) will increase greatly in the next few years, including – and in particular – in the security field. In the lead-up to U.T.SEC, we spoke with an expert in this area: Karsten Schudt has been Managing Partner of 3W-International GmbH since 2009. The Hesse-based company is a world leader in the supply of two-stroke combustion engines for unmanned aerial systems. The global activities of 3W-International have given Schudt extensive knowledge of international UAS applications.

Your work has given you a broad overview of international developments in the area of UAS technology. What general trends do you perceive?

Karsten Schudt (KS): The industry is currently undergoing a major transition. We assume that more systems are now being used for civilian than for military applications. This is placing new demands on unmanned aerial systems. The use of UAS swarms, hybrid drive technologies, self-determining flight systems, even smarter camera and sensor packages and increased performance at lower and lower costs are just a few of the changes that are happening right now. It is safe to say that UAS will change our lives fundamentally, including in the security field.

The focus on the efficient use of UAS seems to be constantly increasing. What technical developments can we expect in this area?

KS: Previously, efforts focused on developing flight-capable systems. The drivers at that time were military applications. But with the growth in civilian applications, the focus has switched to questions of economic and efficient use. Systems that don’t fly don’t earn money. This focus on efficiency has now also reached the military sphere. In other words, we have to be efficient in every area of application now: the market demands greater and greater ranges, higher payloads and longer flying times, with the same or lower energy consumption.

What effect will these developments have on the use of these devices in the area of security?

KS: The costs for using UAS will fall, regardless of how they are powered. UAS will also be used for an increasingly wide range of applications. The lower costs and greater flexibility will of course also play a part in how they are used in the area of police activities. Small systems with powerful cameras don’t cost a fortune, so they are a manageable investment for police and private security services. That also applies to larger systems fitted with combustion engines, for example. A helicopter of this type can be used for border protection on the one hand, but on the other it can also be used to search for boat people in the Mediterranean or to monitor shipping in the English Channel. The same goes for transportation tasks. Whereas in the past it was only possible to transport small quantities of medications or stored blood, now it is possible to transport full weeks’ worth of rations to oil rigs far out in the North Sea, for example, for just a fraction of the usual cost.

Must we assume that UAS will redefine security tasks?

KS: Yes. We increasingly see in the press that UAS used in leisure time are violating security-relevant zones. We need to invest more in user education in this area. There are also threats that were previously unknown, such as industrial espionage or terror attacks using unmanned systems. The result will be substantial growth in drone defence. But some quite new opportunities are also arising. The combination of high-resolution camera, face recognition software and drone will offer new possibilities in combating crime.

The wider public still often has a sceptical view of the use of UAS. To what extent could UAS provide decisive support in humanitarian activities, for example?

KS: UAS are extremely flexible and can be rapidly deployed. For humanitarian uses, in particular, speed is of the essence. Consider maritime rescue and compare the use of a traditional helicopter against a hybrid VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) unit. In terms of camera systems, both vehicles are just as high-performance. But when it comes to costs, the unmanned system beats the helicopter. That applies to acquisition, maintenance and actual use. In addition, the only limitation on flying time is fuel consumption, since there are no regulations governing pilot flying hours to consider. The autopilot system enables overflights of large areas to be performed automatically. The VTOL function means that a system like this can be used anywhere, just like a helicopter, since no large-scale infrastructure is required. The advantages are obvious.

What tasks can UAS assume besides these to improve their image?

KS: Essentially, if tasks have to be performed quickly and at low cost over large areas, UAS always have the advantage. For example, in the fight against poaching in Africa or the transportation of medications to remote areas of Papua New Guinea, or following a major earthquake, where the entire infrastructure has collapsed.

This is the second time that you are participating in U.T.SEC as a speaker. How relevant do you find this exhibition for questions of using UAS in security activities?

KS: The fast-moving nature of this sector means we need continuous, rigorous discussion about deployment opportunities, technical developments, and also risks. The first edition of U.T.SEC in 2017 showed that it provides the right framework for security applications relating to unmanned systems. The quality of the discussions was very high. It is important to have an event like this, to facilitate discussion between all the players.

Security exhibitions at NürnbergMesse

NürnbergMesse has proven expertise in the security field. With events such as Enforce Tac – trade fair for law enforcement, it-sa, it-sa Brasil and it-sa India – trade fairs for IT Security, FeuerTRUTZ – trade fair for preventive fire protection as well as Perimeter Protection – trade fair for perimeter protection, FIRE & SECURITY INDIA EXPO and U.T.SEC – Unmanned Technologies & Security, it brings together a total of around 1,200 exhibitors and over 30,000 visitors from all over the world.

For more information, visit:

www.nuernbergmesse.de/sicherheit

The German engine manufacturer 3W-International is offering heavy fuel (HF) engines that can be used for helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Here the spectrum of two-stroke HF engines ranges from a one-cylinder engine with 3hp up to a four-cylinder engine with over 60hp. An HF-driven Wankel engine was introduced in 2017. See story here.

3W-International delivered the first HF-engines in 2009. Since then, thousands of HF engines were sold worldwide. “Principal customers are military and safety-relevant applications,” Karsten Schudt, Managing Director of 3W-international, explains.

HF-based internal combustion engines can demonstrate their strength during missions for humanitarian purposes in disaster areas according to the Managing Director. Most unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipped with 3W-International engines are unarmed and deployed for reconnaissance and surveying tasks. These reconnaissance UAS also come into use during disaster and humanitarian deployments to provide a quick overview of the crisis region. UAS with heavy fuel drives can play a decisive role during these deployments, as their structure and technical specifications are specifically designed. Fuel used on 3W-International HF engines are JET A-I, JP-5, JP-8 and a 2-stroke mixture of 2% Aspen oil and 0.1% diesel valve cleaner.

Mr. Schudt explains that transport of foodstuff and medications for first aid in crisis areas is possible only to a limited extent due to the degree of destruction. Helicopters generally assume the main task. Here UAS play an important role here even though their transport capacities are much smaller. “UAS can be quickly relocated to a crisis region, meaning that reconnaissance tasks can be undertaken early on,” he says. “You’re more independent since only one pilot is need, who doesn’t necessarily need to be on site. The limited use of autopilots is also feasible. The necessary on-site infrastructure is minimal, and so are the deployment costs. Furthermore, HF-driven UASs are also fuel-independent.”

One assumes that military and rescue and aid organisations active in crisis regions would have sufficient diesel and gasoline available on site. Two-stroke HF engines can be driven with available gasoline since they operate with a two-stroke mixture of gasoline, 2% Aspen oil, and 0.1% diesel valve cleaner. Kerosene, which is used for helicopters, can likewise be used. “Our 2-stroke HF engines can thus be very flexibly deployed,” Mr. Schudt tells MONS. “The engine doesn’t need to be purged when switching between fuel types, which extremely simplifies the deployment. Performance declines briefly at the moment when fuels are switched, but then quickly re-establishes itself at the same high level.”

The performance engines from Germany are used in both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. “HF technology yields quite clear benefits for these UASs’ operators,” the industry expert concludes. “The engines are very flexible and reliable, and they diminish the costs of deployments. Simpler deployment planning is also possible thanks to the fuel independence. On-site logistics is likewise less costly. These cost savings, especially on the part of the employees needed to operate the UAS, are of interest for our customers.”

The new customer service of the German engine manufacturer is called 3W Engineering Services. This will not only be offered to existing and new 3W customers, but also to third-party customers and includes various service, test and measurement activities relating to engines and drive units and their further development.

Since the increased demand for complete drive units the requests to 3W-International GmbH for individual services has also increased. In the months following the Xponential Show in New Orleans in 2016, many customers have enquired about individual services. “As a result, we have decided to offer these individual services internationally to our customers as an additional product from our company”, explained Karsten Schudt, Managing Partner of 3W-International GmbH.

3W Engineering Services offers its customers a comprehensive service catalogue all around the development of individual drive concepts, the optimization of existing drive trains as well as the integration of drive systems in the UAS industry. Thereby the customers can rely on the more than 35 years of experience that the 3W-International GmbH experts have gained in the development of engines and their auxiliary systems.

One of the focal points is the design of individual drive solutions, including the subsystems, based on the customer specifications and the performance characteristics to be achieved. In the process, the 3W-International GmbH specialists not only undertake the hardware and software development, but also the development of the electronics including their manufacture. The prototype assembly together with the engine tests as well as the start of series production are likewise undertaken as the next steps.

In addition, the Hessian family business offers various engine tests for 3W and third-party engines on its test benches. These include not only the general performance measurements of combustion engines but also the thrust and power measurements, exhaust emissions analysis, engine indexing, endurance testing, blower, water and oil-pump analysis, purge image analysis, cylinder head measurement and load change calculation. EMC measurements and climate and temperature tests are likewise possible. The test benches of 3W-Internatinal GmbH can also be hired by customers on a daily basis.

Finally, 3W-International GmbH offers consultation during the integration of combustion engines into unmanned aerial systems. This, however, requires certain framework conditions. 3W-International has to be part of the project team, on the basis of signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Preparation of a requirement specification for project coordination and definition of the requirements with dedicated tasks is a must, too. Beside this, an early know-how- and consultancy-transfer regarding the integration of propulsion technology and individual components is needed.

Information about the 3W-Engineering Service will be presented by 3W-International on Stand 3131 at the Xponential Show 2017 in Dallas.

The world first will be presented for the first time to the specialist audience at the XPONENTIAL Trade Fair taking place in Dallas (USA) in May. Thus, the German engine manufacturer is expanding its range of drive products for UAVs by a further engine sector. Just as the two-stroke engines already in use in the marketplace, the new 3W-180 SRE Hybrid Wankel engine can be fuelled by petrol or kerosene, too.

“In the past, many interested parties at trade fairs and congresses have asked us about Wankel engines” recalled Karsten Schudt, managing partner of 3W-International GmbH. For this reason, Schudt and his development team decided to expand the product segment with Wankel engine technology. In doing so, it was clear right from the start that the new engines had to fit in with the philosophy of 3W-International GmbH.

“We wanted a high-quality, fuel consumption-optimized engine which would demonstrate an outstanding power-to-weight ratio”, recalled Schudt. The 3W-180 SRE Hybrid has 180 ccm and as a short engine weighs 6.8 kg. In the high power version, at 7500 rpm it delivers 38.5 hp (nominal power 28 hp at 6000 rpm). From this there results a power-to-weight ratio of 5.66 hp/kg, with a fuel consumption of 340g/KW at full load.

The weight rises to 9.5 kg when the engine is fitted with an electric motor (starter generator). The generator also charges the super capacitors which turn the Wankel engine into a hybrid drive. Super capacitors are well-suited to hybrid applications in aviation due to their weight and fast charging and discharging behaviour.

“We are very proud that we are able to offer our customers an additional service with this modern and sustainable technology which is available at short notice” Schudt was pleased to say. The hybrid Wankel engine can feed 15KW, depending on the capacity of the storage system, into the system for a time (for example, 30-60s). This additional power can be used when starting a helicopter or for the acceleration of a fixed wing aircraft. “Thus our customers always have a power reserve on call”, confirmed Schudt.

The 3W-180 SRE Hybrid is equipped with two independent cooling systems. A water cooling circuit undertakes the cooling of the engine housing, a second, oil cooling circuit, undertakes the internal cooling of the piston. This is a fundamental prerequisite for a drive system in aviation applications for which continuous power is also a fundamental prerequisite. Here the thermal stability, which gives added value to the 3W-180 SRE Hybrid, is of crucial importance.

In a further expansion stage, the Wankel engine can also be equipped with two drive pulleys. Through the doubling of the swept volume, the power of the naturally aspirated engine is doubled to 76 hp in the high performance variant with a short weight of 10.5Kg. This engine variant is also intended as a hybrid version. In the future, a variant with a turbocharger which is primarily intended for height compensation will also be offered.

“We can also supply the Wankel engine as a complete drive unit similar to our two-stroke engines. This means that the customer receives the engine equipped with all additional systems completely in accordance with his individual requirements”, explained Schudt.

In accordance with the engine philosophy of 3W-International, the 3W-180 SRE Hybrid can be used as a petrol or as a Heavy Fuel (HF) engine. As an HF engine, the fuels JET A-I, JP-5 or JP-8 can be used. “For the HF versions we provide high performance fuel injection which leads to a further reduction in fuel consumption”, explained Schudt. For petrol operation, intake manifold injection is provided for the fuel injection.

At XPONENTIAL in Dallas in May, 2017, 3W-International will present the hybrid Wankel engine for the first time to the specialist audience on Stand 3131. “We are looking forward to being able to introduce a new engine to our customers which, from a technological perspective, offers unparalleled advantages in terms of fuel consumption, drive performance and reliability”, said Schudt looking into the future.

German engine manufacturer 3W-International GmbH saw increased demand for heavy fuel (HF) and gasoline combustion engines in 2016. Interest is increasing especially strongly for their use in unmanned helicopters. The reasons for this are manifold.

3W motors have been known for their use in vertical take-off aircraft since before the T-Hawk MAV unit from Honeywell. ‘Traditional helicopter manufacturers have always counted among our customers. But in 2016, we received many enquiries for their application in helicopters especially from China and Southeast Asia’, confirms Karsten Schudt, managing director at 3W-International GmbH. ‘There are many reasons for this. Vertical take-off and landing at arbitrary locations is extremely interesting precisely in countries where most airports and airfields are military or at least state-owned, because private persons are often restricted or even prohibited from using such facilities’, Schudt continues.

The helicopters’ deployment areas are added to this. ‘Many enquires came from agricultural areas. Here the helicopters generally come into use for sowing seed or for pest control. However, vertical take-off aircraft are also used for observing fish stocks or for recording forest stands’, says Schudt. Vertical take-off and landing enables the helicopters to be deployed more quickly and in the direct vicinity of the usage site.

Schudt is easily able to understand the manufacturers’ considerations here: ‘Electrically driven systems are often still used for these tasks. However as soon as a greater payload has to be transported or longer deployment times are needed, the manufacturers’ considerations begin to shift to the combustion engine.’ Added to this is the fact that, precisely in agricultural regions, transporting fuel is often easier than charging batteries.

Consequently, many manufacturers slowly come around and build on engines made in Germany. With more than 120 standard engines and a multitude of options, 3W-International offers the right engine for every application area. ‘We have customers who offer their customers both the gasoline and the HF engine in one and the same model matched to the application area’, explains Schudt. All of the engines can be used for both fixed-wing aircraft as well as for helicopters and VTOLs.

The helicopter versions in use are very diverse. ‘We have requests for the traditional helicopter design up to Flettner double-rotor systems and traditional hexacopters and octocopters.’ continues Schudt. Besides agricultural applications, 3W-International’s customers also deploy combustion engines in other areas in which the helicopter clearly plays off against its advantages. Thus 3W-driven helicopters will be used in the oil and mining industry in future. The delivery of urgent consignments such as first-aid kits or medical products is involved here. The intent is to deploy the helicopters via autopilot especially in remote regions of Southeast Asia.

But security applications also lie within the helicopters’ scope of application, whether for traffic monitoring, border control, or in the army, air force, and navy area. HF engines are deployed in unmanned helicopters particularly in the last. ‘I take it for granted that vertical take-off and landing is assuming importance in unmanned flight. VTOLs combine these capabilities with the speed and flight stability of fixed-wing aircraft. That is why we are counting on demand for our engines for vertical take-off and landing to increase further going forward. VTOLs will certainly play a leading role here’, says Schudt looking towards the future.

As the first worldwide platform to do so, U.T.SEC will be presenting in its entirety the future theme of unmanned technologies with the focus on security. The focal point is the technical and legal possibilities of increasing security. This also entails protection against unwanted entry by unmanned vehicles in civil, industrial and state areas.

3W-International will join the U.T.SEC with a presentation about advantages of Heavy Fuel (HF) engines in the field of sensitive applications.

3W-International GmbH joined Forum Luft- und Raumfahrt Baden-Württemberg e.V. in late 2016. The Baden-Württemberg aeronautical network represents the interests of the aviation industry in Germany’s south-west, serving as a network hub between business, science, politics, and society. Enhancing the global competitiveness of resident companies is the focus of the networking.

Besides personal communication and regular newsletters, the network’s events and working groups enable the exchange of technological topics and challenges in the supply chain. Joint trade-fair appearances, business trips, and projects expand market opportunities and facilitate market development for member organizations.

‘We hope for even closer contact with supply structures from the propulsion and aerospace industry, which we are already using to some extent. International trade fairs are interesting moreover because they enable medium-sized companies like us to bring a professional presentation to the international stage’, says Schudt.

This exclusive symposium will be an invaluable opportunity that will enable attendees to obtain the latest information on the emerging UAS technical capabilities, needs, and challenges from key DoD, Government, and Industry UAS subject matter experts.

3W-International will attend UAS West Symposium. For individual meetings please contact the German headquater.

Research and development activities in the field of UAV propulsion are constantly progressing and expanding in Israel and worldwide. The Conference will provide an opportunity to present and discuss advances made in the field. It will bring together researchers, scholars, policy makers, industrialists, users and others from diverse activities and backgrounds to address key issues of UAV propulsion.

3W-International will visit the conference. For individual meetings please contact the German headquater.

With the advancing development of UAVs, muffler systems are moving increasingly into the focus of engine development. It doesn’t matter here whether they are being used to increase performance or purely for sound-volume minimization. 3W-International GmbH recognized this development early on and began developing a series of in-house mufflers.

‘We view ourselves not as a pure engine manufacturer but as a solution provider. That’s why it was important to have the matching muffler in the portfolio for each engine in order to be able to offer a perfectly functioning, complete system to the end customer’, explains Karsten Schudt, managing partner of 3W-International GmbH. Due to close co-operation with leading UAV manufacturers, it was clear early on that muffler systems would meet with a leading role in future.

3W therefore began in 2000 with the development of in-house muffler systems. The first systems were ready for serial production in 2002 and received both the German as well as the patent from the US. 3W mufflers use a type of turbine wheels that are installed permanently in a cylinder. The individual fins mounted on the wheels are queued up in defined angles. In this connection they are arranged in opposed directions depending on the angle. This arrangement smooths the exhaust gas’s sound wave thereby reducing the exhaust-gas sound.

‘Due to in-house development opportunities, we have matched each muffler with the associated engines. That means we offer a broad portfolio of mufflers whereby we can adjust the engines to the customer’s needs’, says Schudt. Special attention should be paid here to the muffler’s volume for the engine. ‘Otherwise the muffler diminishes the engine’s performance. This shows up especially when the muffler is too small, because in these cases excessive pressure from the exhaust gases builds up in front of the actual muffler’, explains Schudt further.

That’s why engine-muffler combinations for each engine are sought that optimally exploit the muffler’s efficiency without having to worry about the engine’s performance diminishing in the process. The calculation here is based on the fact that the muffler’s volume must be 10 to 15 times greater than the cylinders’ stroke volume in order to achieve an optimum muffler effect.

Once the right engine-muffler combination for the customer has been determined, the muffler must be adjusted to the specified spatial dimensions. ‘This can often be a greater challenge than evaluation of the right muffler’, says Schudt, who knows. For this reason, 3W-International GmbH is also offering to produce mufflers according to customer desire. In these cases, the mufflers are adjusted to the specified dimensions and spaces, with efficiency remaining the same.

Each year, 3W-International GmbH sells a variety of muffler systems from in-house production. ‘Our experience enables us to very quickly offer our customers a very functional engine-muffler combination. For the customer, this means saving time and money in his development projects because he receives a finished solution from a single source’, Schudt clarifies. 3W-International therefore assumes that demand for such combinations will increase further in future. Thus the company is preparing itself for continued and new development of muffler systems.

*****

With more than 30 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and testing 2-stroke engines, 3W-International GmbH has developed and patented the newest generation of Heavy Fuel (HF) engines for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) industry.

The quality of 3W-engines consists of several factors. Technical expertise, long-term experience, tradition, and state-of-the-art production are the reasons for one of the highest qualities in the industry. 3W disclaims manufacturing abroad so customers can be sure every engine is German quality.

From R&D, prototyping, purchasing, manufacturing, and calibration to on-time delivery, 3W guarantees constant, permanent quality control. Every manufacturing step is traceable. The employees are personally responsible for fulfilling 3W-quality standards. Component suppliers and partners share those standards and guarantee these quality requirements.

3W International will attend Indo Defence and Airshow China 2016 beginning of November. For individual meetings, please contact the German headquarter.

3W International will attend China UAV Summit 2016 on August 25. For individual meetings, please contact the German headquarter.

At the end of February 2016, mechatronics lead Kevin Bass of Intuitive Machines and contracted pilot Mike Laible set off on a planned excursion to Antarctica. In cooperation with the UTIG (University of Texas Institute for Geophysics) and ICECAP (Investigating the Cryospheric Evolution of the Central Antarctic Plate) Intuitive Machines successfully flew multiple runs with a 3W-powered unmanned aerial vehicle platform, Tiburon Jr., on the coast of Antarctica.

3W International will attend Farnborough International Airshow from July 12 to 13, 2016.
For individual meetings, please contact the German headquarter.

The management of 3W International GmbH looks back contentedly at this year`s participation at the Xponential 2016 in New Orleans. Aside from standard engines, the German engine manufacturer presented its complete drive concept to the North American specialist audience. In discussions with interested customers, one topic stood out: Time between overhauling (TBO).

“Our complete drive concept was well received by the visitors”, Karsten Schudt, Managing Director of 3W International GmbH, confirmed. Aside from the small 1-cylinder engine 3W-28i HFE FI, the same engine was presented as complete drive system inclusive of all auxiliary systems. “This comparison illustrates what our development team, which boasts more than 30 years`experience, can produce for our customers”, Schudt added. 3W International offers this concept for all Heavy Fuel (HF) and petrol engines.

In view of these development options, very concrete project discussions were conducted at the exhibition stand of 3W International. “We were able to show our interlocutors what our engineering and development capacities are. It was therefore only logical that customers discussed real project implementations with us,” as Schudt reviewed. Time and again, the discussions returned to the topic TBO.

3W International specifies TBOs of up to 600 – 1000 hours maximum, depending on the conditions of use and the maintenance of the engine. In this context, the number of hours will depend on the areas of use and the RPM range. “If these engines are driven at moderate speeds and are serviced at regular intervals, these maximum performances are possible. Naturally, the time will be reduced if the engine is used in dusty desert climates or at permanent RPM range,” as Schudt confirms.

However, the great demand for the TBOs to be reached also shows that the topic of efficiency is increasingly moving into the focus of UAV manufacturers and their customers. If TBOs are low, engine replacements and overhauls become necessary at short intervals. This comes with a significant disadvantage for both military and civil uses: costs increase. “Engines that lie idly at the workshop waiting to be overhauled fail to earn money, cannot be used in sensitive security missions and are also not available as replacement engines. Thus, they are completely unusable for the user at that moment,” as Schudt emphasizes.

For more than 30 years, the family business has designed and manufactured internal combustion engines in the range between 2 and 62 HP. The company had its origins in model aircraft for which 3W developed the first internal engines. As model aircraft flying is a cost-intensive hobby, customers were interested in engine units offering a long service life early on. By now, this interest has also become a main concern for many civil, commercial and military users.

Ultimately, the TBO performance of the engines is an economic factor as high stocks of replacement engines and short overhaul intervals tie up invested capital. One can therefore expect that the TBO will play an increasingly important role for UAV manufacturers and their end customers in future as well. “I believe that we demonstrate with our engine quality what is technologically possible. Our customers benefit in that they obtain top-notch engines that secure their missions and make them successful”, as Schudt concludes.

3W International will attend ILA Berlin Air Show from June 1 to 2, 2016.
For individual meetings, please contact the German headquarter.

3W International is exhibiting a portion of its engines for the first time in 2016. This is due to strong demand from the civilian applications area. All engines from 3 HP to over 60 HP can be provided with both carburettor and alternatively with electronic injection. Fuel consumption can thereby be reduced due to more exact consideration of all of the operating parameters. The power density can be increased through better mixture treatment and the engine`s regulation can be better controlled at various engine powers. This is especially true during warm-up.

Moreover the team from 3W International analysed the last trade fair and the conclusion was clear: the market demands complete engine systems. “That means customers are increasingly looking for engines with all of the additional systems such as generators, starters, cooling jackets, engine mounts, and silencer systems”, confirms Karsten Schudt, managing director of 3W International GmbH. 3W International will exhibit a complete drive unit at the exhibit stand for illustrative purposes.

3W International is also introducing engines for hybrid applications in addition to the complete drive units. The hybrid drive has moved increasingly into the foreground in recent months. “Most of the inquiries here relate to the UAVs` commercial or civilian use”, confirms Schudt. The internal-combustion engine takes on the most varied tasks in these cases. For one thing it can be used for vertical starts in which high performance is required depending on the application area. The internal-combustion engine is used in combination with a generator to supply power to the electrically driven rotors, which move the flight object after take-off. Furthermore the internal-combustion engine fills in when energy stored in the on-board batteries diminishes.

3W International is also introducing engines for hybrid applications in addition to the complete drive units. The hybrid drive has moved increasingly into the foreground in recent months. “Most of the inquiries here relate to the UAVs` commercial or civilian use”, confirms Schudt. The internal-combustion engine takes on the most varied tasks in these cases. For one thing it can be used for vertical starts in which high performance is required depending on the application area. The internal-combustion engine is used in combination with a generator to supply power to the electrically driven rotors, which move the flight object after take-off. Furthermore the internal-combustion engine fills in when energy stored in the on-board batteries diminishes.

An additional exhibit completes 3W International`s exhibit stand. The customer PowerVision GmbH is exhibiting the DRAGONFLY DF M35 RAPS helicopter. PowerVision GmbH, with headquarters in the immediate vicinity of Frankfurt a.M., Germany, is an internationally active company specializing in the development, production, and sales of RPAS helicopters. The DRAGONFLY DF M35 is equipped with the 2-cylinder, 14.5 kW, 3W-170 XiB2 TS CS flat engine with double ignition from 3W International.

3W International is located in hall 1, booth 567.

German engine manufacturer 3W International is introducing its design for complete propulsion systems for the first time at the leading trade show in New Orleans. Moreover options will be introduced concerning special mounting plates for mounting different engines on the same engine chassis or the identical firewall.

“The market is demanding complete engine systems and individual solutions that nonetheless permit a high degree of flexibility”, summarizes Karsten Schudt, managing director of 3W International, when asked about the results of the latest customer meetings. “That means customers are increasingly looking for engines with all of the auxiliary systems such as generators, starters, air-duct systems, engine suspensions, and silencer systems”, continues Schudt. 3W International will consequently exhibit a complete propulsion system for illustrative purposes at the exhibit stand.

“We can deliver our engines to our customers ready for use. That means the engines are completely equipped and delivered with ECU, silencer, starter, generator, engine mount, and air-duct systems. We can also deliver the propeller if the customer so desires. The propulsion systems leave our factory in Hesse tested and are therefore “ready to use”. The customer himself basically has to complete only three tasks: unpack, install, and take wing”, says Schudt descriptively of 3W International`s complete-propulsion concept. Here every propulsion system is tailored to the customeras desires and needs.

“So we`ve got to work very closely together with our customers. This means that we must be involved in UAV development early in the project phase” Schudt clarifies. Because even if the customer decides in favour of a standard flight body, the application`s take-off weight and the flight performance depend upon the UAV`s application and performance targets. Engines featuring various performance capabilities, which are installed differently due to their weight and side, are therefore in part necessary with the same flight body. “So we`ve got to be involved early on in the project, because the entire propulsion system is tailored to the flight body and the customer`s wishes”, explains Schudt.

This concept has been introduced to date only to customers in Europe and Asia. The response was quite positive, and the first orders were placed. It`s because the benefits are clear to see: In such a co-operation the propulsion system is optimally aligned with the aircraft but also with the intended use, and the customer can draw upon 3W International`s expertise and years of experience. “In this case the 30-plus years of experience of our developers from model building are paying off, because we know from that how we put engines, auxiliary systems, and the aircraft together into a unit that perfectly satisfies the customer`s needs”, Schudt makes clear.

An additional possibility of the use of different engine types is specially developed engine support systems, which enable different engines to be mounted on one and the same engine chassis or on a firewall. “Some of our customers use one and the same UAV type for different application purposes. In that connection it happens that engines with different performance parameters also have to be used”, explains Schudt. Different engines can in part be fastened thanks to the special mounting systems. Different engine types can thereby be used in the same flight body without big development projects.

“We repeatedly encounter great interest with these simple solutions in customer meetings. That shows us that the market is also increasingly moving in a field where increased efficiency, cost savings, and short development cycles are coming to the fore with the development of UAVs. Financial indicators and core data are becoming increasingly important when it comes to the development, construction, and use of UAVs. Our flexible modular-design system allows these individual customer needs to be optimally met. So 3W International will also continue to work on the concepts that accompany and support these developments on the customer side”, says Schudt in summary.

3W International is located in hall 1, booth 567 at AUVSI.

3W has now expanded its site by another engine group in addition to the previous heavy fuel engines (HFE). The German engine manufacturer is introducing part of its comprehensive 2-stroke gas engine program on the company’s reworked web site.

Hybrid drives are familiar to most people from the automotive area where they`ve been used for years in private and community vehicles. However the hybrid drive is also moving ever more prominently into the focus of unmanned aviation where it brings interesting benefits for commercial usage. Conventional combustion engines play a decisive role here.

3W-International will visit the airshow in Singapore 2016. For individual meetings, please contect the German headquarter.

The UAV providers market is growing continually. Especially civilian applications are increasing rapidly. UAVs development times are consequently diminishing. Suppliers must react flexibly to this development. 3W International now creates complete solutions for customers or supports them during development. The AUVSI 2015 event in Atlanta has shown clearly that the market is demanding complete engine.

3W International GmbH offers a wide variety of long-term tests for all engines. Since there are no standards or framework conditions for these tests, they are adapted and performed individually according to customer requests.

“Based on our engine test stands we are able to perform customer tests at any time”, declared Karsten Schudt, Managing Director of 3W International GmbH. Three test stands are available for test runs.

Every single test stand is linked to a separate control unit. During an engine test, all parameters are checked and recorded by an independent computer system. Temperature, run time and RPM are monitored and fuel consumption is checked by weight, using a precision scale or the new micro fuel con-sumption meter. The 3W-standard test program can be modified to meet the requirements of the end user. Consequently some customers require the measurement of exhaust gas temperatures at a particular distance from the engine exhaust in the exhaust manifold, crankcase tem-peratures and in some cases also the intake air temperature.

To ensure the highest quality standards in the industry, 3W-Modellmotoren GmbH has invested in highly sophisticated measuring instruments. Aside from special tools for simulating crankshafts, Tesa and Keyence measuring instruments have been purchased. Vibration tests can be performed on 2 levels.

“Our customers require a wide variety of long-term tests. Consequently the 50-hour test for microlight aircraft is just as much in demand as tests of up to 200 hours. Basically however it is such, that the customer determines which parameters in which runtime are to be measured and recorded by us”, elaborated Peter Wintrich, Managing Director and Head of Engineering.

After the test is concluded all tested engines are dismantled and inspected. This way increased wear and possible weak points are detected and can be eliminated through a modification to the design. The same applies for the operability and main-tenance of the engine, that are also examined during such tests. “In some cases, following the long-term test we have been able to determine, that due to modifications in the design the number of components on the engine could be reduced. Consequently we were able to reduce the future servicing work by the customer”, explained Wintrich.

Because of the German safety regulations there must always be 2 persons on-site for such long-term tests. “Our tests are very extensive and coordinated to the customers. We can therefore not offer this service free of charge. However, after the test our customers have the certainty, that they receive an engine, that absolutely fulfils their demands in all areas”, continued Wintrich.

High quality UAV engines made in Germany are the focus of the motor supplier 3W International. This corporate orientation has been confirmed now by the successful recertification of the production site.

“For us as a company this recertification is very important, “explains the managing director Karsten Schudt. The ISO 9001 defines the requirements for quality management. “Our customers expect the highest quality and flexibility from us. With these two features, we have earned a solid reputation. It is therefore all the more important for us that an external certification body certifies that we are still on the right track, “explains Schudt further.

At the AUVSI 2015 in Atlanta, starting Tuesday next week, 3W-Interantional will present for the first time their new 3-cylinder engine 3W-102 STR 3 FI. The cooling of the engine has been improved on the newly developed engine. The engine has been fitted with a ring header, as a result only one muffler is required. The consumption of the engine has been reduced through the saving in weight.

At the AUVSI 2015 in Atlanta, starting Tuesday next week, 3W-Interantional will present the mok-up of their new 4-cylinder engine 3W-440xiB4 TS HFE FI.

We have launched our free Newsletter Service. Click on the Link below to read the first issue. If you are interested in getting our Newsletter at regular intervals please sign up at the end of this page.

AUVSI Unmanned Systems 2015 is the place to see the most comprehensive collection of unmanned systems for every domain – air, ground and maritime. Last year was a record breaking year, featuring more than 350,000 sq. ft. (32,500 sq. m.) of exhibit space, 600+ exhibitors and more than 8,000 attendees from over 55 countries plus 400 members of the press and media.

Please visit 3W International at booth 611.

The new website of 3W-International is representing the company in a modern and innovative way. Beside detailed information about the Company the products and the service, the website is offering a wide range of information about heavy fuel and gas engines for UAVs. “The new website is part of our ongoing internationalization”, explains the CEO of the company, Karsten Schudt.