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Integrated Lithium-Ion Battery Packs + V-Twin EFI Engines for Drones, UAVs & Robots
Vanguard® is a leading developer of innovative power and propulsion solutions for drones and unmanned systems.
The company’s advanced battery systems are ideal for robotic platforms in all domains, including UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles) and UUVs (unmanned underwater vehicles), and their UAV propulsion engines are ideally suited for a range of drone platforms.
Vanguard’s lithium-ion battery packs are ideal for a wide range of commercial and military UAV, UGV, USV and UUV platforms, delivering a versatile and efficient solution that can be adapted to your exact requirements.
The state-of-the-art fully integrated systems feature an internal Battery Management System (BMS) that works seamlessly with a CANbus-controlled charger and communications network. The modular nature of the battery packs allow them to be easily configured for a variety of capacities and voltages, and multiple batteries can be stacked to provide desired power levels.
Vanguard provides both fixed battery packs, ranging from 1.5kWh to 10kWh, and swappable batteries compatible across various applications for seamless exchange.
Rugged Durability & Extreme Testing
Vanguard batteries are housed in a durable pressure washer-rated enclosure and metal roll-cage for maximum protection in the most extreme environments. All units are thoroughly tested to withstand shock and vibration, extreme temperatures, dust, and immersion in water.
Enhanced Operational Lifetime
The company’s batteries are rated for up to 2000 cycles at full power and can still provide 80% capacity even after this. The maintenance-free units are fully serviceable, and thanks to the modular design, individual components and modules can be replaced instead of the entire battery.
Guaranteed Safety & Efficiency
Vanguard’s proprietary Battery Management System, integrated into every unit, monitors voltage and temperature throughout the entire pack and ensures continuous safe and efficient operation.
Easy Integration & Troubleshooting
The versatile battery units feature two CANbus networks (including one SAE J1939 standard and one flexible) for easy integration with legacy OEM systems, and troubleshooting can also be performed via standard CANbus diagnostic protocols.
A prequalified plug-and-play charging system can be mounted either on- or off-board.
Learn more: Lithium-Ion Battery Packs for Drones and Robotics
A behind-the-scenes look at developing the first robotic ARGO vehicle and what criteria had to be met when selecting a power solution for a new autonomous machine.
Vanguard’s V-Twin horizontal shaft petrol engines, featuring options for 17.2 to 29.9 gross kW (23 to 40 gross HP) outputs, are ideal for a range of UAV and drone platforms.
The sophisticated electronic fuel injection (EFI) technology automatically tunes all of the engine’s operating points, monitoring an array of onboard sensors to make cycle-by-cycle decisions on how much fuel and spark to provide the engine and when. The result is improved starting at all temperatures, smooth performance at any altitude, quick response to load changes, and vastly more efficient fuel consumption.
Vanguard’s newest 29.9 gross kW (40.0 gross HP) engine also features state-of-the-art electronic throttle control (ETC) technology, allowing the engine to rapidly detect any change in RPM and thus react instantaneously to any applied load from the environment.
By maintaining power output, consistent engine speed is also maintained, resulting in superior efficiency.
Advanced features of Vanguard’s four-stroke EFI engines for UAVs and drones include:
V-Twin OHV Technology
Vanguard’s robust OHV (overheard valve) engine design is robust and durable, providing enhanced balancing and increased power and optimizing performance for longer lifespan and superior fuel economy.
Closed-Loop EFI
V-Twin engines feature an automotive-based, closed-loop EFI system that delivers a fuel economy increase of up to 25% compared to carburettor engines. Battery-based ignition with variable timing provides smoother starting and longer starter life.
High-Efficiency Balanced Design
The engine’s dynamically balanced crankshaft, lightweight piston and ring package minimize engine noise and vibration, and improve high temperature durability. Angled ports optimize tumble and mixture preparation for improved efficiency, smoother idle, lower emissions and more power.
Extended Engine Life
The engine design provides maximum lubrication and critical component protection. A spin-on filter for oil cleaning and a cyclonic air cleaner for advanced protection against airborne debris contribute to extended engine life.
Specifications:
| Gross kW* | 17.2 | 24.6 | 26.1 | 27.6 | 29.9 |
| Gross HP* | 23.0 | 33.0 | 35.0 | 37.0 | 40.0 |
| Engine Type | V-Twin, 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHV | ||||
| Dimensions (LxWxH, mm) |
318x407x449 | 379x496x725 | |||
| Displacement | 627cc | 896cc | 993cc | 993cc | 993cc |
| Weight | 35kg | 56.7kg | |||
| *All power levels are stated gross kW and gross HP at 3,600 RPM per SAE J1940 | |||||
Learn more: Electronic Fuel Injection Engines
Vanguard’s lithium-ion battery systems have been selected to power an advanced UGV manufactured by Argo Robotics. Four of the 5kWh batteries have been integrated into the robotic platform, which is designed for rapid deployment in challenging terrain.
Vanguard V-Twin EFI engines have also been specified in new pilot drone projects to power UAVs which have been designed to carry cargo over long distance into areas which are difficult to access. These drones have also been used in the UK to deliver vital medical supplies between England and the Isle of Wight during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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