We have over the course of three years developed an engine specifically designed to address the needs of commercial drones seeking use-cases where battery technology offers insufficient energy density to make possible. Its a Fickett-Jacobs Cycle Pulse Detonation Engine for shaft power. This prime mover uses a novel catalytic ignition system which allows any combustible fluid to be used, including 20/80 alcohol/water fuels (identical to wiper fluid). This eliminates the need for the energy intensive distillation process to use alcohol derived fuels. Any biomass can be used in a fermentation tank, and the fuel removed as-needed and used directly. It is fully backwards compatible with legacy all legacy fuels including diesel fuel. Power to weight ratios exceeding 4 horsepower per pound naturally aspirated have been achieved in a 175cc engine. Thermal efficiencies exceeding 40 percent have been achieved despite using oversquare ratios. Pure isochoric heat addition has been measured and proven via in-cylinder pressure and temperature sensors. Measured exhaust gas temperatures as low as 200 F. have been measured under load in air-cooled cylinders.

There is only two moving assemblies, no valves, and longevity for over 3000 TBO hours is projected. The engine is fully modular, each unit can be attached to another to increase displacement arbitrarily. In multi-bank arrangements, perfect balance can be achieved without the use of counterweights.

This technology is critical for light aviation and drones, allowing for point to point package delivery over long distances using medium and large sized drones. Increased loiter time, range, and fuel agnostic capabilities ensure economic operation of the drone even when compared to grid delivered electricity. Packages as heavy as 80 pounds become deliverable with this engine technology used to power the drones, as battery weight is slashed by over 90 percent. Multiple packages can now be carried simultaneously and delivered to multiple destinations in near-proximity, reducing total drone flight time and distance. With this engine technology for drones, multiple drones can be programmed to fly simultaneously to attempt air-evacuations where environmental conditions would otherwise preclude helicopters. Search and rescue missions can increase the total number of eyes even over distances in the ocean that battery powered drones could not travel. Attempts to deliver emergency and medical supplies can be made quickly and to remote locations during weather/environmental conditions that would otherwise be risking pilot/crew life. For example, when Sailors are lost at sea instead of just relying on a handful of helicopters, a swarm of drones outfitted with sensors and cameras can be launched to sweep the ocean for survivors. If a drone finds the missing person, it can descend down and instantly inflate an on-board life raft. The waste exhaust-heat can be used to provide life saving heat to stave off hypothermia. Beacons can ping back the drones location to coastguard helicopters. Increasing the total eyes in the sky by thousands of percents and increasing loiter time will likely vastly improve SAR recovery rates. This is only one example of many use cases that will save lives.