All-Electric Drone System Ready for Takeoff
A pioneering testing initiative aims to create an all-electric powertrain for a cargo drone prototype, catering specifically to the delivery needs of remote areas in rural Australia.
Engineers and scientists at UNSW are developing an innovative all-electric powertrain designed to facilitate the transport of goods using drones. This project addresses a significant gap within the expanding commercial drone sector, ensuring that not only do commercially available components operate effectively, but they also function harmoniously together.
Dr. Matthew Priestley, who is spearheading this project at UNSW’s Electrical Engineering drone motor testing facility, states that the current state of drone manufacturing resembles the “wild west” of the aviation industry. The lack of performance data on commercial components, especially in actual operational conditions, necessitates rigorous laboratory testing to mitigate the risks associated with costly test flight failures.
The powertrain being developed will power an AURA-E (Australian Ultra-efficient Regional Aircraft – Electric), a large, fixed-wing drone that aims to deliver heavy cargo across hundreds of kilometers.
The AURA-E initiative is a collaboration led by US-based startup Seaflight Technologies, in partnership with Macquarie University and a consortium of various Australian stakeholders, which UNSW has recently joined. Approximately half of the project’s $3 million budget is provided by the Australian Government’s Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships (EATP) program, and UNSW’s contributions are supported by the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy, which facilitates technology transfer from academia to industrial applications.
Enhancing Australia’s Aviation Sector
Dr. Priestley emphasizes the importance of fostering local capabilities for projects like this in terms of national security. Drones play a critical role in Australia’s key industries, including mining and agriculture, while also having potential applications in surveillance.
“Ensuring security in the UAV sector is paramount as we risk vulnerability to hacking,” he stresses. “The security of drones is crucial for fostering public trust in a technology that has the potential to infringe on privacy.”
Innovative Prototyping
The drone’s powertrain will be complemented by an advanced aerodynamic flow control system, enhancing both range and payload capacity. The initial proof-of-concept prototype is designed to transport between 40 to 50 kilograms over several hundred kilometers. However, Dr. Graham Doig, founder of Seaflight Technologies, indicates that the ultimate goal is to develop a drone with a capacity of 200 to 300 kilograms.
“Imagine being able to resupply a community with essentials like medical supplies or fresh produce that would otherwise travel from significant distances via traditional diesel trucks,” he articulates. “This technology is set to drastically reduce emissions by transitioning from fossil fuels to nearly zero-emission alternatives, ensuring timely delivery of critical goods.”
Pioneering the Future of Aviation
Dr. Doig, who also serves as a senior lecturer at UNSW’s School of Aviation, envisions that drones will significantly transform the aviation landscape. “Picture drones functioning as a mini airline with the potential for hundreds or even thousands of flights every day. It’s vital to understand every facet involved in managing this evolving industry,” he notes.
To meet the demands of this rapidly growing sector, students in aviation programs must acquire more than just basic drone operation skills. “We aim to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in our students, preparing them to either launch their enterprises or integrate into startups and larger organizations exploiting these new technologies. This sector is experiencing exponential growth, creating plentiful opportunities,” Dr. Doig declares.
UNSW students are scheduled to participate in flight testing and remote piloting for the AURA-E’s inaugural flight, anticipated in late 2025.
