The international specialized exhibition and conference is held on 20 - 22 January in the United Arab Emirates

Photo: United Engine Corporation

United Engine Corporation showcased small engines and latest advanced developments: hybrid propulsion, generation system and high-capacity battery module demonstrators, at UMEX 2026, an international specialized exhibition. They can be used as part of future aircraft. 

UEC’s exposition includes a 500kW hybrid propulsion demonstrator, which is Russia’s unique design solution. The hybrid propulsion demonstrator has been developed on the basis of the VK-650V helicopter engine. Series hybrid propulsion systems may be used to create aircraft with new functionality: vertical or ultrashort take-off and landing aircraft, and tiltrotor aircraft. 

A hybrid propulsion system includes a gas turbine engine and motor, electric generator, batteries and power electronics. Combination of a gas turbine engine and motor provides the key advantage of the GSU 500 over all-electric propulsion systems — increased flight range and time. 

The 25 kW high-capacity battery module is used as part of future hybrid and electric propulsion systems on various types of aircraft. Its advantages include immersion liquid cooling system and redundant monitoring and control system with active balancing. It is UEC-Klimov’s proprietary solution, which has no equals in Russia. 

The immersion cooling system used in the battery is unique in that it provides long-lasting peak-power discharge, fast charging and longer life.

The 35 kW electric generation system with a reciprocating engine is a viable alternative to batteries and is designed to power the motors of multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles and special ground vehicles. It can be also used as a gasoline-powered generator to produce electricity. The operating temperature range from −40 °С to +55 °С makes it a general-purpose system. Unlike batteries, the generation system has higher energy parameters offering increased UAV flight range and time. 

UMEX 2026 is held on 20 - 22 January 2026 in the United Arab Emirates within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Aviation and Aerospace Week. The event is an unparalleled platform for international experience exchange in the field of unmanned systems, drones, robotics, components, and simulation and training techniques.