A subset of UAVs are powered by gas engines. While they are especially prevalent in fixed wing drones and military UAVs, they are becoming more common across various sectors. Tyto Robotics has highlighted 30 manufacturers that offer engines that can be used in UAVs; showcasing piston engines, rotary engines, hybrid engines, turbine engines, and more.
Companies featured on the list include:
RCV Engines
RCV engines are not modified hobby engines, they are specifically designed for UAVs. They are temperature-resistant and resistant to detonation and carbon build up.
Specifications for the DF140LC engine:
- Engine type: 4 cylinder, 4-stroke
- Engine displacement: 140 cc
- Power: 8.61kW (11.5 HP)
- Speed: 10,000 RPM
- Weight: 6.3 kg
- Fuel/Oil ratio: 25:1
- Fuel: kerosene based fuels (incl. JP5, JP8, Jet A1), gasoline
- TBO: 250 hours. (VTOL); 500 hours. (Fixed Wing)
- Location: United Kingdom
Sky Power International
Sky Power International engines have a few notable features. First, they all come with either a carburettor or alternatively an electronic fuel injection system. Also, all engines with a cylinder displacement of 55 ccm or more are “twin-spark (TS)”, meaning both ignitions work independently of one another.
Specifications for the SP-275 TS ROS engine:
- Engine type: 2-stroke, dual cylinder piston
- Engine displacement: 275 cc
- Power: 21.7 HP / 16.0 KW @ 6000 RPM
- Torque : 27.9 Nm @ 4750 RPM
- Speed: 1500 – 10000 RPM
- Weight: incl. ignition 17.29 lbs (7.86kg)
- Oil/Fuel ratio: 1:50 / 2% mix
- Bore diameter: 2.32 inch (59.00 mm)
- Stroke: 1.97 inch (50.00mm)
- Location: Germany
HFE International
HFE International identifies as a small, high-tech company addressing the growing demand for reliable small UAV engines. They offer several varieties of piston and rotary engines, plus their all-inclusive “GenPod®” LRU (line replaceable unit) engines.
Specifications for the 225 CS rotary engine:
- Engine type: Wankel single rotor
- Engine displacement: 225 cc
- Power: 40 HP (30kW)
- Torque: 27 lb/ft
- Speed: 8000 RPM
- Weight: 10 kg (22lb)
- Fuel: Avgas / gasoline / heavy fuels
- TBO: 500+ hours
- Location: United States
Fly Dragon Drone Tech
Fly Dragon offers a few different models of UAV gas engines. Their system is air-cooled and uses an electric closed loop control mechanism.
Specifications for the B2H70:
- Engine type: 2-stroke, dual cylinder piston
- Engine displacement: 70 cc
- Power: 6 HP
- Speed: 8500 PRM
- Weight: 2.88 kg
- Fuel/Oil ratio: 40:1
- Fuel: RP3 Jet fuel
- Location: China
Browse the full list here, or visit the Tyto Robotics website to find out more.
