Kacey Roberts
General Atomics‘ aeronautical systems division has finished the durability testing of its new 200-horsepower heavy fuel engine for the Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system.
The HFE 2.0 engine underwent tests simulating a 2,500-hour lifespan, including 1,250 full power take-offs and climbs to high altitudes and over 200 hours of cruise under extreme conditions.
The U.S. Army is considering the engine as a replacement for the current 180-horsepower engine in the Gray Eagle Extended Range UAS and as a key component of the modernized Gray Eagle 25M.
Final qualification testing is set for completion in September, followed by certification from the service branch.
GA-ASI developed the engine in collaboration with General Atomics Europe and Cosworth.
