A category of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operates using gas engines. While these engines are notably common in fixed-wing drones and military applications, their usage is expanding across multiple industries.
Tyto Robotics has identified 30 manufacturers that produce engines suitable for UAVs, including piston, rotary, hybrid, and turbine engines, among others.
Highlighted companies include:
RCV Engines
RCV engines are purpose-built for UAVs, not merely modified hobby engines. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist detonation and carbon accumulation.
Here are the specifications for the DF140LC engine:
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engine type: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke
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Displacement: 140 cc
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Output: 8.61 kW (11.5 HP)
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Max Speed: 10,000 RPM
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Weight: 6.3 kg
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Fuel/Oil ratio: 25:1
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Compatible Fuels: kerosene-based (including JP5, JP8, Jet A1) and gasoline
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TBO: 250 hours (VTOL); 500 hours (Fixed Wing)
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Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Sky Power International
Sky Power International offers engines with several key features. Each engine is equipped with either a carburetor or an electronic fuel injection system. Additionally, all engines with a cylinder displacement of 55 cc or more are designed with a “twin-spark (TS)” ignition system, allowing for self-reliant operation of both ignitions.
Specifications for the SP-275 TS ROS engine include:
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Engine type: 2-stroke, dual-cylinder piston
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Displacement: 275 cc
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Output: 21.7 HP / 16.0 kW @ 6000 RPM
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Torque: 27.9 Nm @ 4750 RPM
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Speed Range: 1500 – 10000 RPM
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Weight: 7.86 kg (17.29 lbs) including ignition
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Oil/Fuel ratio: 1:50 / 2% mix
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bore Diameter: 59.00 mm (2.32 inches)
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Stroke: 50.00 mm (1.97 inches)
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Country of Origin: Germany
HFE International
HFE International is a compact, innovative company focused on meeting the increasing demand for dependable small UAV engines. They provide a range of piston and rotary engines, along with their comprehensive “GenPod®” line replaceable unit (LRU) engines.
Specifications for the 225 CS rotary engine are as follows:
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Engine type: Wankel single rotor
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displacement: 225 cc
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Output: 40 HP (30 kW)
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Torque: 27 lb-ft
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max Speed: 8000 RPM
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Weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)
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Compatible Fuels: Avgas / gasoline / heavy fuels
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TBO: 500+ hours
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Country of Origin: United States
Fly Dragon Drone Tech
Fly Dragon provides several models of gas engines for UAVs. Their systems are air-cooled and utilize an electric closed-loop control mechanism.
Specifications for the B2H70 engine include:
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Engine type: 2-stroke, dual-cylinder piston
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Displacement: 70 cc
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Output: 6 HP
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Max Speed: 8500 RPM
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Weight: 2.88 kg
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Fuel/Oil ratio: 40:1
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Compatible Fuel: RP3 Jet fuel
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Country of Origin: China
Explore the complete list here, or visit the Tyto Robotics website for further details.
