AIE introduces new generation of rotary UAV engines to the Asia Pacific

27th August 2015 (Singapore): Advanced Innovative Engineering (AIE), a Lichfield, UK-based engine technology developer, is developing a range of compact but high power-to-weight ratio Wankel rotary engines and is marketing these in the Asia Pacific for military and commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications.

For small tactical fixed-wing or vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAVs, the company is offering the 2 kg 40S and 7 kg 125CS engines, which produce 5 bhp (3.7 kW) and 20 bhp of power respectively. The 10 kg 225CS engine, which generates 40 bhp is compatible with medium-sized tactical UAVs, while large platforms can be fitted with the 28 kg 650CS that is capable of developing an output of 120 bhp.

According to AIE, common features across its range of engines include full electronic engine management and multi-fuel compatibility with gasoline and heavy fuels such as JP-8. Besides UAVs, the company said its engines can also be utilized in unmanned ground and surface vehicles (UGVs and USVs), as well as perform the role of auxiliary power units (APUs) for hybrid propulsion systems.

Alexander Vaughn, AIE’s head of business development, told IHS Jane’s that the company’s rotary engines are developed using a ‘clean-sheet’ approach despite their Wankel heritage, which enable its engineers to overcome issues that are traditionally associated with these engines, while incorporating new enhancements in rotary engine technology.