Samara scientists naturalized Russian drones to the hot climate of the Middle East

Samara National Research University scientists naturalized domestic drones to the hot climate of the Arabian Peninsula, which, in future, will increase the supply of UAVs from Russia to a number of countries in the Middle East. Together with the specialists of the UAV developer company, Samara scientists have improved the UAV engine cooling system for efficient and reliable operation of the device in conditions of high ambient air temperature.

“Samara University scientists, together with their colleagues from the Russian innovative company AURA, optimized the engine cooling system of domestic unmanned aerial vehicles designed to operate in conditions of the hot climate. The company produces helicopter-type UAVs and supplies its products abroad, including to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Based on the conducted research and numerical modeling, the most effective parameters of the cooling system fan were selected, to ensure stable operation of the engine at high ambient temperatures, up to 60 degrees Celsius”, told us Dmitry Uglanov, Associate Professor of the Department of Heat Engineering and Heat Engines, Head of Research at the Cryogenic Technology Laboratory of Samara University.

In the Middle East, in summer, the daytime air temperature sometimes approaches 50 degrees Celsius, which creates some additional thermal load on the equipment, and can negatively affect the working life of the engine, so it was decided to improve the cooling system of the power plant.

“During the work, various options of the cooling system fan configuration were considered. Using analytical calculation, we determined the most optimal values of the length, width and angle of installation of the fan blades, it was calculated how much it is possible to increase efficiency of the blades and the fan power. As a result of the work performed, we have designed two possible fan configuration options, thanks to which the engine will work stably and efficiently in the climatic conditions of the Middle East countries. Besides, the upgraded version of the cooling system has been developed – with an additional fan, that will make it possible for the drone engine to work even in more difficult, and hotter operating conditions”, Dmitry Uglanov said.

For reference

According to open sources, the AURA is the developer and manufacturer of the AURA 100 helicopter-type UAV. The UAV can perform transport, agricultural, monitoring and other tasks, including being used as a “flying firefighter” when fighting fires in skyscrapers. The maximum speed of the device is 150 km/h, the ceiling of application is 3,000 m, the flight duration is up to 6 hours.