Strongwings: Drone engines

2024: Product Announcement

On January 19, 2024, it became known about the development of electric engines for small aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (ALS) that reduce noise levels. The authors of the development were engineers of the Strongwings company (market participants of the NTI Energinet).

The new engines also increase the level of safety of aircraft operation and increase the range of horizontal flight speeds. In addition, the development will help reduce the likelihood of accidents from foreign objects entering the blades by up to 5%. At the end of January 2024, the developers created a prototype engine and a test bench. The product will be ready to enter the market at the end of 2024 after successful tests as part of ALS.

Russian drone Art-Tech A8-H

As reported on the manufacturer's website, the new engine design increases the efficiency of its use by 20%, and the noise level is reduced to a level 100 times quieter than the engine with an open screw due to the cowled structure and additional seals.

Mostly today, small aircraft, including drones, are fitted with open propellers. However, according to the developers of Strongwings, the use of an open screw during the operation of the devices leads to the creation of a high level of noise, which does not allow them to be used in urban areas, the NTI press service told RIA Novosti.

At the same time, the cost of the new engine is expected to be higher than that of conventional configurations, and Strongwings does not have a large budget. According to the project manager Igor Tetkin, the company lacks investments and strategic partners to implement the initiative. The necessary funds should go to the manufacture of pre-production samples and the integration of the company's systems into existing ALS. According to Tetkin, by January 2024, Strongwings is already working with several manufacturers, but one of the company's goals is to expand the reach of companies interested in the product.^[1]

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