https://sputnikglobe.com/20260930/russian-team-reinvents-drone-engine--and-cuts-costs-by-25-1124811900.html
Russian Team Reinvents Drone Engine — and Cuts Costs by 25%
Russian Team Reinvents Drone Engine — and Cuts Costs by 25%
Sputnik International
The approach is straightforward — swap out some metal components for high-temperature polymer composites, then add homegrown electronic fuel injection.
2026-09-30T08:30+0000
2026-09-30T08:30+0000
2026-09-30T08:30+0000
russia
military & intelligence
science & tech
https://cdn.imgsputnikglobe.com/img/07ea/08/15/1124611229_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_01889b94a526c7ffb0241e64ab375a2c.jpg
Key features:If the claimed cost and reliability gains hold at scale, cheaper, lighter powerplants could mean more payload, longer range — and far wider adoption.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20260728/russian-scientists-unveil-space-engine-that-swaps-pricey-xenon-for-budget-friendly-krypton-1124508126.html
Sputnik International
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
2026
Sputnik International
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
News
en_EN
Sputnik International
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Sputnik International
feedback@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
military & intelligence, science & tech
military & intelligence, science & tech
Russian Team Reinvents Drone Engine — and Cuts Costs by 25%
The approach is straightforward — swap out some metal components for high-temperature polymer composites, then add homegrown electronic fuel injection.
Hybrid construction uses injection molding and printing for less-loaded parts, while highly loaded components remain metal
Developers say the engine's cost share can drop from 30–40% to under 15%, potentially cutting total UAV production costs by ~15–25%
The electronic fuel injection system integrates with the flight controller, saving 10–40% fuel depending on mode
If the claimed cost and reliability gains hold at scale, cheaper, lighter powerplants could mean more payload, longer range — and far wider adoption.
