We propose to develop a lightweight, compact Cetane sensor interfaced to a fiberoptic probe immersed in the RPA fuel tank to continuously measure, update and report Cetane number to the engine electronics for control of engine settings for RPA internal combustion engines (ICE) operating on heavy fuels. The sensor will be based on laser light scattering and will be made small and light enough to be part of the RPA system, able to make real time calculations of the Cetane number of the fuel being utilized.
Benefit: Success of both Phases of the SBIR program would move the Company rapidly toward the development of a device for jet fuel analysis in the field designed both for commercial markets and for meeting the Air Force specifications for use in the RPA environment.
