The new engine project intended for fixed and rotary wing UAV sector reflects the development activities of the UAV manufacturers in the 150 to 450 kg UAV take-off weight range. The aim is to offer a new piston 2-cylinder, air–cooled engine with reduction gearbox intended for the application of the HFE (Heavy Fuel Engine) multi-fuel concept. The engine design is based on previous experiences in the engine development and certification. The engine is intended for two typical installations – fixed-wing UAV (tractor or pusher configuration) and the rotary-wing UAV with fan cooling and with the ability to operate in various attitudes. With reference to the previous experiences with engine development and certification, significant emphasis is put on the engine reliability. The engine design uses patents of the authors concerning the torsion damper system – see the PATENTS. Besides the design/development activities, the engine demonstrator is currently tested on the propeller test stand. Conairsystem company is looking for cooperation with other companies in the development and utilization of the project.

The hybrid aircraft propulsion concept reflects the current trends of the electrical power applications from non-aviation fields (automotive industry). The envisaged concept of hybrid aircraft power, unlike the parallel arrangement avoids the mechanical coupling between the two power plants using the tandem arrangement.

The hybrid aircraft project is now at the stage of finalized conceptual design studies, showing the feasibility of the project goals in terms of performance, ecology as well as certification requirements. The project is evolved concerning the optimized use of the combined propulsion during flight and ground operations – see our patent granted for the Hybrid Aircraft Propulsion Control System.