Story ID: 379
Phenix Heavy Lift UAS Makes Heli-Expo Debut
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: The UAS is targeting logistics, firefighting, agriculture, and defense applications
Word Count: 243
On display at Heli-Expo, Phenix Solutions’ Ultra 2XL heavy lift uncrewed aerial system (UAS) is targeting logistics, firefighting, agriculture, and defense applications where a helicopter might not be required.
The VTOL Ultra 2XL is powered by Rolls-Royce’s M300 turboshaft engine and features a coaxial rotor system, which eliminates the need for a tail rotor. Maximum takeoff weight is 3,000 pounds and it can fly up to 300 nm with a top speed of 150 knots. Customers can add an optional 125-gallon auxiliary fuel tank to boost range to more than 900 nm with 500 pounds of payload.
This week at Heli-Expo 2024, Phenix is demonstrating its Ground Control System for managing Phenix flight operations. Flight testing of the Ultra 2XL is planned immediately following Heli-Expo and will be done at Phenix’s range in McMinnville, Oregon.
“The Ultra 2XL is purpose-built to tackle the ‘dull, the dirty, and the dangerous’ missions that our defense and civil customers demand. With the Ultra 2XL, our customers now have an unmanned aircraft that can deliver on those promises.”
Alpine Aerotech is also showcasing its exhaust duct developed for the Ultra 2XL’s RR300 engine at Heli-Expo. “We are known as experts for exhaust manufacture and repair in the conventional helicopter industry, particularly on the Bell platforms,” said Alpine Aerotech manufacturing manager Taylor Wilson. “We understood Phenix’s project requirements and were able to deliver a cost-effective solution using our existing capabilities.”