Russian engineers, with the support of the National Technology Initiative, have created a line of lightweight two-stroke engines with capacities of 5, 12, and 24 hp for UAVs, featuring parts made from high-temperature polymer composites. Some components are produced using FDM printing and injection molding instead of labor-intensive aluminum processing. The most heavily loaded parts remain metallic.
Polymer elements have undergone tests for thermal and vibration loads, as well as flight and endurance tests.
According to the technology's creators, the engine on average accounts for 30–40% of a UAV's cost.
The engineers also developed an electronic fuel injection system integrated with the autopilot. According to the developers, it allows for 10–40% fuel savings and maintains stable engine operation when temperature, humidity, and pressure change.
The new production technology will reduce the engine cost by more than half and cut overall expenses by approximately 15–25%. The next stage will be the serial production of tens of thousands of engines per month.
Read more on the topic:
- 15% Lighter Than Foreign Counterparts: Compact Engine for "Dobrynya" UAV Created at Samara University
- Tomsk scientists have created a compact rotary-piston engine for drones with an output of 36 hp
- Made of glass and aluminum: a new coating to increase engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption has been developed at South Ural State University