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The Institute closely cooperates with the world's giants of the aviation industry, such as:  GE, Airbus or Pratt&Whitney and institutions from the space industry, including the European Space Agency. The strategic research areas of the Institute - aviation, space and unmanned technologies. Research and services for the domestic and foreign industries - material, composite, incremental, remote sensing, energy and mining technologies are also a part of the portfolio.

Presented as part of the 30th International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO at the Institute's expo stand in the D Expo Hall.

PRC-650 Patrol and Rescue Hovercraft

The PRC-650 hovercraft has been designed for rescue and patrol operations in inland waters, especially in winter conditions on brittle ice and in low water level.

The Hovercraft PRC - 650 project uses the latest experience of the Łukasiewicz - Institute of Aviation team in the field of numerical simulations of flows, modern manufacturing techniques and design of composite structures. The PRC-650 hovercraft is another design of the Łukasiewicz - Institute of Aviation - compared to older models, offers:

• power of the drive system increased by 40%;
• transport hubs adapted to transport a hovercraft by helicopter;
• electrical installation adapted to difficult sea conditions;
• enlarged cabin and door - for easier victim pick up out of the water. There is more space for resuscitation and other special actions in the hovercraft cabin;
• a patented system of tilting side flaps increasing the hovercraft manoeuvrability.

Taking into account users' opinions, the modernised version was equipped with a 200 HP marine engine (BUKH SOLAS was used in the prototype) and a fan with an enlarged diameter up to 1600 mm, driven by the modernised belt transmission. The balloon-type apron ensures high stability of the airbag and ease of piloting, and the patented scales mounted on its underside increase the tear resistance. The large surface of the airbag makes it easier to plan on the water and ensures a high load capacity of the hovercraft - 900 kg.

The modernised PRC-650 hovercraft offers spacious travel conditions for 7 people (including the pilot) with the possibility increasing up to 9 people. The cockpit is equipped with an extensive system of indicators and an on-board computer with GPS navigation.

The use of a unique combination of technical solutions makes the PRC-650 hovercraft offer features that are not present in any of the currently manufactured hovercraft in this class.

EGG1U Explosive Cartridge

The EGG1U cartridges are designed and manufactured for the purposes of the ILR-33 AMBER 2K rocket project. The experience and knowledge gained during the development made it possible to develop a new model, which is now used in the mechanisms implemented on board.

EGG1U explosive cartridges play the role of gas generators, i.e. pyrotechnic devices, the initiation of which causes the production of hot gas with appropriate pressure parameters. The resulting combustion products can be used for opening/closing the valve, movement of the piston in the actuator, release of the mechanism lock, in parachute release systems, rejection of covers, reduction of slack in seat belts and many others.

Pyrotechnic cartridges are made of a metal housing with a thread M12x1, equipped with
 a 1W / 1A ignition head and main charge. The product does not contain initiating explosives, which makes it easier to transport under the transport of dangerous goods (ADR).

The advantage of the product - the ability to adjust the pressure without the need to interfere with its structure. Pyrotechnic cartridges can be used in many industries - space, defence, aviation and automotive.  

The production of loads in Poland is significant facilitation for domestic and European recipients. Administrative and customs issues make Łukasiewicz cartridges more competitive in terms of price compared to others on the market. The technology flexibility makes the product more advanced compared to other market solutions. Not tested for applications other than the Amber ILR-33 AMBER 2K rocket, but their European scale versatility and innovation may determine their success on the market.

(ŁK)