Hirth Engines Demonstrates Future Hybrid Innovation Programme

By Mike Ball / 02 May 2019

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Hirth UAS engineHirth Engines has announced that it has demonstrated its future innovation programme to develop hybrid applications to harness the power of both an internal combustion engine and electrical motors to deliver unmanned aerial system (UAS) solutions for the future.

The need for endurance, reduced footprints, lightweight platforms, cost-effectiveness and safer operations are at the forefront of customers’ minds when looking for solutions across a wide spectrum of UAV applications. These needs are best met by highly efficient and effective two-stroke propulsion systems.

Hirth Engines is now looking toward hybrid applications to harness the power of both an internal combustion engine and electrical motors to deliver solutions for the future.

“This is only the beginning and confirms that two-stroke provides a unique role in the future of UAV applications,” explains Peter Lietz, Head of International Business Development for Hirth Engines. “The performance, durability and ease of maintenance for two-stroke engines is unbeatable and provides an ideal platform for the future of aviation, manned or unmanned. We are very excited to be exploring deliverable solutions for the future of UAVs”.

Leveraging Hirth’s heritage in two-stroke technology and utilising existing invention protections registered by the company, the development engineering team has committed to a journey of designing an engine that will achieve a hybrid future. The experts at Hirth recognise that the two-stroke engine is the perfect partner for electrical power units; low power to weight ratios enable higher payload capacity whilst lower torque and the absence of voltage peaks reduce energy requirements.

This research will deliver a whole new generation of applications across maritime, land and civilian sectors. UAVs, and in particular VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) platforms, will move to the next level of their development. Hybrid applications will bring significant benefits to UAV manufacturers, including extended ranges and longer endurance levels, lower emissions and increased fuel efficiencies.

Lietz continues: “The key partnership between advanced two stroke propulsion systems and electric power offers significantly better power-to-weight ratio and improvements in safety levels. Thanks to the use of a hybrid engine application, VTOL platforms in the future will be able to fulfil a wider variety of tasks in comparison to their fixed-wing counterparts.”

Hirth Motors are available in the U.S. through UAV Propulsion Tech.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Enhancing Hurricane Data Collection Through Fixed-Wing UAV Technology

Explore Black Swift Technologies’ SØ UAS, which provides cost-effective, autonomous storm data collection, advancing tropical cyclone research and improving forecasting in hazardous environments

May 17, 2025
Most Read Articles on UST This Week

Here’s our round-up of the five most read articles on UnmannedSystemsTechnology.com this week

May 16, 2025
Next Generation Drone Safety and Security at XPONENTIAL 2025

ParaZero Technologies will present the enhanced SafeAir™ M4 parachute recovery system with triple sensor redundancy, and the DefendAir counter-UAS net launcher and DropAir precision delivery system at XPO25 in Houston

May 16, 2025
Improving Consistency in Complex PCB Assemblies with Automated Selective Soldering

San Francisco Circuits addresses the limitations of wave and hand soldering, offering selective soldering and full-service PCB assembly solutions for unmanned systems

May 16, 2025
Autopilot Systems Optimize Rim Driven Thrusters for New Hybrid USV

HydroSurv’s new REAV-47 Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) integrates a tailored autopilot interface from Dynautics with advanced rim-driven thrusters, enabling precise control for marine survey applications

May 16, 2025
Scaling Safe BVLOS Drone Operations with Automated Compliance

PG&E uses AirData’s automated platform to ensure safe, compliant BVLOS drone operations, enhancing efficiency and wildfire risk management across California

May 16, 2025

Featured Content

WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.