Strategic Partnership to Enhance UAV Engine Technology
UAV Propulsion Tech has forged a collaboration with Suter Industries AG and Compass Aircraft Europe GmbH (CAE) to promote cutting-edge UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) engines developed jointly by the two firms. For several years,Suter and CAE have been dedicated to creating innovative propulsion solutions tailored to meet the rigorous performance and reliability standards demanded by UAV manufacturers.
Expertise in Engine Development
Suter Industries leverages its extensive experience from crafting high-performance motorcycle racing engines to innovate products for the aerospace and defense sectors. Leading Compass Aircraft Europe is Dietrich Kehe, a mechanical engineer with over 24 years of expertise in designing 2-stroke engines for both manned and unmanned aircraft. Kehe has pioneered clean-sheet engine designs for advanced UAV applications, incorporating state-of-the-art electronic fuel injection technologies, including direct injection, along with complete propulsion systems that feature integrated starter-generators, engine mounts, and belt/gear reduction drive systems.
Introducing the Suter 288 Engine
The inaugural engine resulting from the Suter/CAE collaboration is the Suter 288, a twin-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled engine. This engine boasts a fuel-efficient electronic management system and a 1kW starter/generator.Its specifications include a displacement of 288 cm³, delivering a power output of 13.3 kW (18 HP) at 5700 rpm and 17.5 kW (24 HP) at 6500 rpm. All engines produced by Suter and CAE are manufactured in Switzerland.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Bob Schmidt, the founder and president of UAV Propulsion Tech, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Collaborating with Dietrich Kehe and his team to introduce this exceptional UAV engine to the global market is thrilling. Having worked with Dietrich since 2003 on UAV engine initiatives, I can attest to his understanding of market needs and his ability to develop effective technical solutions.”
He further added, “Integrating the Suter/CAE UAV engine solutions into our offerings will enable us to continue delivering top-tier UAV hardware to our clients.I am eager to collaborate with Suter/CAE to provide both custom and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) propulsion solutions to the UAV sector.”
Dietrich Kehe, CEO and founder of CAE GmbH, remarked, “We sought a partnership with UAV Propulsion Tech due to their extensive experience in UAV propulsion. Thay are an ideal ally to enhance our market presence and introduce these solutions to their growing customer base.”
“Bob’s background as a mechanical engineer, combined with our previous collaborations in the UAV engine sector, positions UAV Propulsion Tech and Suter/CAE to create and deliver exceptional propulsion solutions,” he concluded.
Complete UAV Solutions
UAV Propulsion Tech represents a diverse array of global providers of defense and commercial UAV technology and hardware solutions.Their offerings encompass both COTS and custom propulsion systems, autopilots, gyro-stabilized EO/IR gimbals, inertial navigation systems, and numerous other proven solutions that have been successfully integrated into high-performance drone platforms worldwide.
