UAV Engines for Drones - 30 Manufacturers

By Lauren Nagel

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.

In this article we will feature 30 manufacturers that offer engines that can be used in UAVs; showcasing piston engines, rotary engines, hybrid engines, turbine engines, and more.

Is this list missing your favourite UAV engine manufacturer? Let us know in the comments!

List of UAV Engine Manufacturers:

•  Admiral	•  Advanced Innovative Engineering
•  Cox International	•  Currawong
•  Danielson Engineering	•  DeltaHawk
•  Desert Aircraft	•  DLE Engines
•  Fiala Prop Company	•  Fly Dragon Drone Tech
•  Flygas	•  Great Power Engine
•  HFE International	•  Hirth Engines
•  Kolm Engines	•  Löweheiser
•  NGH	•  Northwest UAV
•  PBS India	•  Pegasus Aeronautics
•  RCV Engines	•  ROTOmotor
•  Rotron Power	•  Saito
•  Sky Power International	•  Stinger Engines
•  Suter Industries	•  TEI
•  UAV Engines Ltd.	•  UAVHE

 

Figure 1: Admiral 125cc Gas Engine

Admiral (sold on MotionRC)

Admiral engines, sold on MotionRC’s website, come in two sizes: a 60 cc model and a 125 cc model. Their website raves that the engines’ dimensions “make it possible to drop this impressive twin into extreme aerobatic performance airplanes.”

Specifications for theAdmiral 125 cc:

• Engine type: dual cylinder, 2-stroke,
• Engine displacement: 125 cc
• Weight: 2682 g
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 32:1
• Bore: 46 mm
• Stroke: 37 mm
• Fuel: 87-93 octane gasoline
• Location: United States
• Website:https://www.motionrc.com/

Advanced Innovative Engineering

Their engines are cooled using their patented SPARCS liquid cooling system.

Specifications for the650S Rotary Engine:

• Engine type: Wankel single rotor
• Engine displacement: 650 cc
• Power: 120 bhp (90 kW)
• Torque : 80 lb/ft @ 8000 rpm
• Weight: 35 kg (77.16 lb) 
• Fuel: AVGAS/ Gasoline/ Heavy Fuels
• TBO: 500+ hours
• Location: United Kingdom
• Website:https://www.aieuk.com/

Cox International

Cox engines were produced for more than 60 years from 1945 and 2006, after which production stopped and the remaining inventory was sold off to various companies like CoxEngines.ca. The engines use an electrically heated glow plug to ignite the fuel/air mixture within the cylinder on start-up.

Specifications for theCox .049 Glow Engine:

• Engine type: single cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 0.8189 cc (0.04997 cubic inches)
• Speed: >2000 RPM
• Weight: 0.05 kg (0.12 lb)
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 
• Bore: 0.406 inch (10.3 mm)
• Stroke: 0.386 inch (9.8 mm)
• Fuel: model engine fuel
• Location: Made in USA, largest seller based in Canada
• Website:https://coxengines.ca/

Currawong

Currawong offers two sizes of UAV engines, a 29 cc and a 50 cc model. They also offer the Cortex-50 Hybrid, a petrol engine with hybrid power capability that allows for bi-directional power flow between the electrical system and the engine.

Specifications for theCortex-50 Hybrid Engine:

• Engine type: single cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 50 cc
• Power: 2.1 kW
• Speed: 7500 PRM
• Weight of complete system: 4.7 kg (10.36 lb)
• Fuel: Petrol (UMAN-VP4F Heavy Fuel variant also available)
• TBO: 300+ hours
• Location: Australia
• Website:https://www.currawongeng.com/

Danielson Engineering

The Trident 100TD2 is a heavy fuel engine designed specifically for UAVs. Thanks to its Torque Smoothing System (TSS) and integrated gearbox, it can be installed in place of most propulsion systems in the 100hp range. It also boasts a small frontal area and low vibration.

Specifications for theTRIDENT 100TD2 Engine:

• Engine type: 3 cylinder
• Engine displacement: 1095 cc
• Power: 74.6 kW
• Speed: 3600 RPM
• Weight: 75 kg
• Fuel: Heavy (diesel, JET, JETA1, etc.)
• Location: France
• Website:https://danielson-groupe.fr/en/home/

DeltaHawk

DeltaHawk manufacturers patented, FAA certified jet fuel powered piston engines for light aircraft. According to their website, on average, a Deltahawk engine is much more efficient than a traditional Avgas engine, burning up to 40% less fuel.

Specifications for theDK235 Engine:

• Engine type: jet fueled piston engine
• Engine displacement: 202 cc
• Power: 235 HP/175.2 kW
• Torque: 642 Nm (474 ft-lbf)
• Speed: 2600 RPM
• Weight: 157 kg (357 lb)
• Fuel: Jet A & Jet A-1 Certification Fuels Will burn JP5, JP8, D1, D2, JP-8-100, F-24
• Location: United States
• Website:https://www.deltahawk.com/

Desert Aircraft

Offering a wide range of engines from 35 to 215 cc, Desert Aircraft proudly manufactures all components of their engines in their Tucson, Arizona facility. They boast very low vibration, a long rod to stroke ratio, and aerospace quality assembly. 

Specifications for theDA-200:

• Engine type: 4 cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 200 cc
• Power: 19 hp
• Speed: 8500 RPM
• Weight: 10.95 lbs (4.95 kilos)
• Bore: 1.6771 in (42.6 mm)
• Stroke: 1.3779 in (35 mm)
• Location: United States
• Website:https://www.desertaircraft.com/ 

DLE Engines

They also offer hybrid engines up to 128 cc and 12 HP.

Specifications for theDLE222:

• Engine type: 4 cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 222 cc
• Power: 21.5 HP
• Speed: 7500 RPM
• Weight: 5710 g
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 30:1
• Location: China
• Website:https://www.dlengine.com/en/rcengine/

Fiala Prop Company

Fiala offersUAV-specific versions of their engines in several sizes ranging from 85 - 210 cc. The engines have a ceiling of 5000 m above sea level, ‘extremely low fuel consumption’ , and several customizable options.

Specifications for theFM 210 – B2 - FS engine:

• Engine type: 4-stroke, 2-cylinder
• Engine displacement: 210 cc
• Speed: 5300 RPM
• Weight: 5500 g
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 25:1 and 30:1
• Bore: 52 mm
• Stroke: 50 mm
• Location: Czechia
• Website: https://vrtule-fiala.cz/en/

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 theB2H70:

• 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
• Website:http://www.dronefromchina.com/

Flygas

Flygas offers several gas engines for various aerospace applications. They have high specific power UAV engines for mid and high altitude use. Their GAS 252 engine described below is specifically made for ultralight airplanes and tricycle gear planes.

Specifications for theGAS 252 Engine:

• Engine type: 2 cylinder
• Engine displacement: 703 cc
• Power: 70.7 HP (52 kW)
• Torque: >75 Nm
• Speed: 6500 RPM
• Weight: 57 kg (125 lb)
• Bore: 80 mm
• Stroke: 70 mm
• Fuel: ‘Normal green’
• TBO: 600 hours
• Location: Slovenia
• Website:https://www.flygas.info/

Additionally, Flygas offers a modified version of the Rotax 912 ULS standard engine. The modified engine has a redundant fuel supply system with both injection and carburetors as well as a centrifugal supercharger that boosts power output from 100 to 142 HP.

Specifications for theFlygas-912-Rotax:

• Engine type: 4 cylinder, 4-stroke
• Engine displacement: 1352 cc
• Power: 142 HP (104.4 kW)
• Speed: 5800 RPM
• Weight: 72 kg

Great Power Engine

Great Power Engine manufactures engines for UAVs and RC planes ranging from 38 to 178 cc. Notable features include their relatively lightweight design, low vibration, and suitability for aerobatics.

Specifications for theGP178 engine:

• Engine type: 2 cylinder
• Engine displacement: 178 cc
• Power: 21.5 HP
• Speed: 9000 RPM
• Weight: 3550 g
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 40:1
• Bore: 53 mm
• Fuel: 92 unleaded gasoline
• Location: Taiwan
• Website:https://www.gpengine.world/

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 the225 CS rotary engine:

• Engine type: Wankel single rotor
• Engine displacement: 225 cc
• Power: 40 HP (30 kW)
• Torque: 27 lb/ft
• Speed: 8000 RPM
• Weight: 10 kg (22 lb)
• Fuel: Avgas / gasoline / heavy fuels
• TBO: 500+ hours
• Location: United States
• Website:https://hfe.aero/

Hirth Engines

Hirth engines offer an impressive power to weight ratio as well as proven reliability. Their engines, ideal for use in UAVs, have relatively high TBO and low maintenance requirements.

Specifications for the4202HF engine:

• Engine type: 2 cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 183 cc
• Power: 11 kW (15 HP)
• Speed: 6500 RPM
• Weight: 11.5 kg (25 lbs)
• Bore: 54 mm
• Stroke: 40 mm
• Fuel: Kerosene based fuels like Jet A, Jet A1, JP5, JP8
• Location: Germany
• Website:https://hirthengines.com/

Kolm Engines

A unique feature of Kolm’s engines is their customizability. The user can choose between flat and inline models, short and long versions, and clockwise / counterclockwise rotation.

Specifications for theIL310-V4 engine:

• Engine type: 4 cylinder, 
• Engine displacement: 310 cc
• Speed: 6000 RPM
• Weight: 10.19 kg
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 50:1
• Bore: 47 mm
• Stroke: 44 mm
• Location: Germany
• Website:https://www.kolmengines.com/engines/

Löweheiser

Löweheiser takes turnkey UAV engines from brands like Saito and Zenoah and updates them with their Lö EFI system. They can currently modify engines in the 10 - 500 cc range.

Specifications for theLö EFI adapted Stinger engine:

• Engine type: 2 cylinder
• Engine displacement: 125 cc
• Power: 8.95 kW
• Weight: 2.8 kgL
• Location: Spain
• Website:https://www.loweheiser.com/

NGH

NGH offers several models of 2 and 4 cylinder engines. The engines’ unique features include an ACDI ignition system and liquid nitrogen treated precision forged crankshaft.

Specifications for theGTF550 engine:

• Engine type: 4 cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 550 cc
• Power: 45 HP
• Torque: 42 Nm
• Speed: 7000 RPM
• Weight: 12 kg
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 40:1
• Bore: 58 mm
• Stroke: 52 mm
• Fuel: 95 # unleaded petrol + fully synthetic 2T lubricants
• TBO: 200 hours
• Location: China
• Website:http://www.nghengine.com/

Northwest UAV

NW engines are built specifically for unmanned applications, with high performance and reliability. They offer three multi-fuel models in 44, 88, and 230 cc sizes.

Specifications for theNW-230 engine:

• Engine type: 2 cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 230 cc
• Power: 15 - 18 HP
• Torque: 15 ft/ lbf (20 Nm)
• Speed: 7200 RPM
• Weight: 10 kg
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 
• Bore: 54 mm
• Stroke: 50 mm
• Fuel: Non-ethanol 93-100 octane gasoline (R+M)/2, Jet-A1, JP-5, JP-8, TS-1
• TBO: 500+ hours
• Location: United States
• Website:https://www.nwuav.com/index.html

PBS India

PBS has a unique offering: turbojet, turboprop, and turboshaft engines for UAVs. They provide an impressive amount of thrust and the ability to operate at high altitude up to 10,000 m above sea level.

Specifications for theTJ150 Turbojet engine:

• Engine type: Turbojet
• Power: 650 W
• Weight: 17.10 kg
• Fuel: JET-A, JET-A1, JP4, JP8, TS-1, T2, RT
• Location: India 
• Website:https://www.pbsindia.com/

Pegasus Aeronautics

Pegasus Aeronautics offers gas-direct and hybrid gas-electric propulsion systems for UAVs. Their systems are self-starting and self-regulating, offering optimal efficiency and autonomy.

Specifications for theGE70 Hybrid engine:

• Engine type: hybrid, 2 cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 70 cc
• Power: 4 kW
• Weight: 3.5 kg (7.72 lb)
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 40:1
• Fuel: Gasoline, 87 Octane or higher
• TBO: 200 hours (introductory)
• Location: Canada
• Website:https://www.pegasusaero.ca/

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 theDF140LC 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
• Website:https://rcvengines.com/

ROTOmotor

ROTOmotor offers engines for UAVs ranging from 35 - 170 cc. While they have several off-the-shelf solutions, they also offer the possibility of adjusting the individual parts based on custom needs. Detailed specs for their UAV engines are not available on their website, so the specs for their 170 cc RC airplane engine are displayed below.

Specifications for theROTO 170 FS engine (RC airplane version):

• Engine type: 4 cylinder, 4-stroke
• Engine displacement: 170 cc
• Power: 9.8 kW
• Speed: 6000 RPM
• Weight: 5.42 kg
• Bore: 39.5 mm
• Location: Czechia 
• Website:https://www.rotomotor.cz/

Rotron Power

Rotron manufactures engines for the unmanned and manned aviation industries as well as racing. Their engines are designed to produce a rich power curve and generous torque along their full operating range.

Specifications for theRT1200-P engine:

• Engine type: quad-rotor rotary Wankel
• Engine displacement: 1200 cc
• Power: 200 HP
• Torque: 203 Nm
• Speed: 7500 RPM
• Weight: 54kg (119lbs)
• Fuel: Unleaded 95 Octane / Avgas 100LL
• Location: United Kingdom
• TBO: 1000 hours
• Website:https://rotronpower.com/ 

Saito Seisakusho Co., Ltd.

Saito engines include a unique offering: a 5 cylinder 72.7 cc model.

Specifications for theFG73R5 engine:

• Engine type: 5 cylinder 
• Engine displacement: 72.7 cc
• Speed: 7800 RPM
• Weight: 3.26 kg
• Bore: 29 mm
• Stroke: 22 mm
• Location: Japan
• Website:https://www.saito-mfg.com/en/top_en/

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 theSP-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 (7.86 kg)
• Oil/Fuel ratio: 1:50 / 2% mix
• Bore diameter: 2.32 inch (59.00 mm)
• Stroke: 1.97 inch (50.00 mm)
• Location: Germany
• Website:https://skypower.online/home-2/engines-overview/

Stinger Engines

Stinger manufactures engines for UAVs, RC planes, and paramotors. Their engines’ cylinder heads are ceramic coated for a longer useful life.

Specifications for theStringer Pro 185 cc Twin engine:

• Engine type: 2 cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 185 cc
• Power: 22 HP
• Speed: 8000 RPM
• Weight: 3.68 kg
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 32:1 or 40:1
• Bore: 54 mm
• Fuel: gasoline
• Location: China
• Website:https://www.stingerengine.cn/

Suter Industries

Suter Industries has been in the automotive engine industry for over 20 years, but recently they partnered with CAE to develop engines for aviation applications. Their designs are optimized to limit fuel consumption and can be adapted to customer requirements.

Specifications for theTOA 288 engine:

• Engine type: 2 cylinder, 2-stroke
• Engine displacement: 288 cc
• Power: 17.6 kW (24 HP)
• Torque: 27.2 Nm (20 lb/ft)
• Speed: 6500 RPM
• Weight: 9.2 kg
• Fuel/Oil ratio: 50:1
• Bore: 56 mm
• Stroke: 58.5 mm
• Fuel: Gasoline min. 95 RON or AVGAS LL100
• Location: Switzerland
• Website:https://www.suter-aviation.ch/ 

TEI

TEI specializes in various types of turbo engines: turboshaft, turbofan, turbodiesel, turbojet, and turboprop. The TP38 engine was developed over several years with UAV usage in mind. 

Specifications for theTP38 engine:

• Engine type: Turboprop
• Engine displacement: 
• Power: 31 kW (41.7 HP)
• Speed: 7000 RPM
• Weight: 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs)
• TBO: 25+ hours
• Location: Turkey
• Website:https://www.tei.com.tr/en

UAV Engines Ltd.

UAV Engines Ltd. offers engines to power UAVs up to 120 HP. Their motors operate with low vibration and efficient fuel consumption.

Specifications for theAR628R engine:

• Engine type: Twin rotor Wankel-type rotary
• Engine displacement: 294 cc
• Power: 90 HP or up to 120 HP with EFi System.
• Speed: 7000 RPM
• Weight: 56.5 kg
• Fuel: AVGAS (100LL) or Regular grade (min 92 RON) Mogas automotive 
• Location: United Kingdom
• Website:https://uavenginesltd.co.uk/ 

UAVHE

UAVHE manufactures hybrid engines for unmanned aircraft. Their power plant is integrated with an 11kW generator and an electric booster. The booster allows you to briefly increase power production when performing takeoff or active maneuvering.

Specifications for theRW1-300C engine:

• Engine type: Wankel rotary hybrid
• Engine displacement: 298 cc
• Power: 62 HP
• Speed: 9500 RPM
• Weight: 17.7 kg
• Fuel: Jet-A1, JP5/8, SAF
• TBO: 1000 hours
• Location: Spain
• Website:https://uavhe.eu/

Is this list missing your favorite UAV engine manufacturer? Let us know in the comments!