The propulsion prototype is demonstrated at Rostec’s common stand at the Innoprom Exhibition

Photo: United Engine Corporation

United Engine Corporation is developing advanced open-architecture hybrid and electric propulsions. The innovative approach will help fabricate various propulsions up to 1.5MW from individual components. The propulsions are to be used on transport drones, air taxi, and vertical and super-short take-off and landing aircraft.

A hybrid propulsion with a design power of 500 kW created using the new VK-650V aircraft engine will be the basis of the advanced solutions.

“Hybrid propulsions are the future of global aviation. This trend is particularly promising for UAS. Rostec’s professionals have already made good progress in creating hybrid propulsions with a design power of 500 kW and are working on a range of hybrid and electric propulsions for future aircraft. Various electric motor units, power generating modules, batteries are being developed within this project and will be used to fabricate any propulsion with a power up to 1.5MW,” said the representatives of Rostec’s aircraft cluster.

Due to combining two types of motors, the hybrid propulsion will achieve the fuel efficiency indicators higher than that of classical propulsions. Also, according to the design calculations, the life of a motor used as part of the hybrid propulsion can be increased by 20% to 30% due to the optimized operating conditions. 

A full-size propulsion prototype with a design power of 500kW is demonstrated at Rostec’s stand at the Innoprom International Exhibition.