The ZPOD
Precision fluid delivery for single-mission and short-duration engine applications
The Problem
Legacy lubrication methods constrain limited-life engine design and performance
Limited-life engines typically depend on conventional lubrication methods to support bearing and fluid delivery requirements. In practice, these approaches can drive added design complexity, increase weight, complicate integration, and create avoidable supply chain challenges.
Our solution
Application Benefits
- Reduced Weight and Cost
- Extended Shelf Life and Storage Life
- Improved Performance and Reliability
- Customizable for Mission-Specific Solutions
Zulu Pods presents a new approach to limited-life engine design: the ZPOD
The ZPOD is a compact, dedicated, air-driven fluid delivery system that precisely dispenses lubricant to critical engine locations without relying on a traditional centralized pump, plumbing, or reservoir architecture. Its decentralized, self-contained design reduces weight, simplifies integration, and enables performance gains that conventional fuel-lubricated and centralized lubrication systems often constrain.
Designed for limited-life applications, the ZPOD can extend mission reach and payload by improving durability, shelf life, and fluid delivery precision. The system can be configured for a variety of fluids and architectures, including passive solutions or options integrated with heat exchangers, electronics, and application-specific control features.
How It Works
Not to scale
Step 1:
Mount ZPOD to engine or nearby airframe. Short distances away are preferred; however, the ZPOD may be installed several feet away.
Step 2:
Remove the existing fuel line from bearing lubrication circuit and install oil line from the pod outlet to bearing lubrication circuit.
Step 3:
Install bleed air line from engine bleed port to ZPOD inlet.
Retrofittable or fully customizable solutions available.
Various form factors to fit into limited space vehicles.
Passively driven off compressor bleed air with no impact to engine performance.
ZPOD Benefits
Improved Fuel Consumption
Repeated testing on a 70lbf thrust class engine shows 12% less fuel consumed at sea level.
Less fuel consumed = longer range.
Less fuel required = bigger payload.
Decreased Weight
For 70lbf thrust class engines, approximately 6L of fuel-oil mix (~6 lbs) is not needed for 1 hour of flight.
15-Year Shelf Life
Oxidation rate of fuel-oil mixtures does not support combustion after 4 years. Utilizing a ZPOD allows for a 15-year shelf life for both the fuel and oil systems.
