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Hirth's engine is used in the EMT Luna UAV
Goebler-Hirthmotoren KG (Hirth Motors) is launching a new Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) engine family at AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems North America conference this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. The family is based on Hirth’s 4102 100cc 2-stroke EFI engine that has flown over 15,000 successful missions in the EMT Luna UAV in Afghanistan and the Balkins.
The 4102 was developed from a base King engine and Hirth is now developing a complete line of small EFI 2-stroke engines from base King engines to meet demand for reliable engines for this UAV size class. This new line of 2-stroke air-cooled engines will utilize Hirth’s advanced engine technology currently flying on other UAV applications. This includes electronic fuel injection, electronic throttle control, lightweight exhaust systems, shielded engine control units (ECU’s) with military connectors, starter/generator solutions and advanced ignition systems. The family will initially include six engine configurations: 50cc (single), 70cc (single), 100cc (boxer), 140cc (boxer), 190cc (boxer) and 280cc (boxer).
Hirth has been producing engines since 1917 and their reputation for reliable lightweight 2-stroke engines in the sport aviation market has helped expand their UAV business over the years as the global demand for UAV engines increases. Hirth currently supplies several advanced engines into this market and has been investing in facilities and personnel to support the demand.
“We have seen increased demand for our lightweight 2-stroke aircraft engines following the increased global demand for more advanced engine technology for UAV’s”, said Siegfried Goebler, Hirth’s CEO/Owner. “We chose AUVSI to launch this new line of engines because it is the largest UAV event in the world and there is a large market for this family of engines with US UAV manufacturers”.
