Wankel engine, the "heart" driving the development of unmanned aerial vehicles

Since the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been used extensively by the military. As a result, UAVs, which also belong to aviation power technology, have received increasing attention. The power propulsion system is the "heart" of a UAV, and it is the core system that determines the overall performance of a UAV, including payload capacity, service ceiling, endurance, flight speed, and maneuverability. Among the various power propulsion systems of UAVs, the rotary engine has obvious advantages. Its small size, light weight, and low noise make it particularly suitable for small UAVs.

The Importance of Propulsion Systems

The power propulsion system of unmanned aerial vehicles plays a crucial role in the UAV industry.

Its importance is mainly reflected in the following aspects: Power Source: The power propulsion system is the power source of the UAV. This system can generate tremendous thrust, enabling the UAV to take off and maintain flight while also providing speed and maneuverability, allowing it to adapt to various flight missions and environmental conditions.

Safety: The power propulsion system is the key to ensuring the safe operation of UAVs. The design and manufacturing of the power propulsion system must undergo rigorous testing and verification to minimize the possibility of malfunctions or failures leading to UAV accidents. Therefore, the safety performance of the power propulsion system is crucial.

Economic Benefits: The operation of the power propulsion system is one of the main operating costs of UAVs.

For fuel-powered propulsion systems, improving fuel efficiency can reduce the operating costs of UAVs; nowadays, some companies are developing electric propulsion systems, which, once successfully developed, can significantly improve the economic benefits of UAVs. The hydrogen rotary engine that Qingda Mingyun focuses on is a good example of a promising area.

Technological Innovation: The power propulsion system also plays a crucial role in the technological innovation of UAVs. These technological innovations include the design of more powerful, lighter, and more energy-efficient power propulsion systems to improve the performance, efficiency, and environmental friendliness of UAVs.

Advantages of Rotary Engines

Rotary engines, also known as Wankel engines, have inherent advantages such as simple structure, few components, smooth operation, the ability to use various fuels, and easy miniaturization, which perfectly meet the lightweight requirements of UAVs.

The basic structure of a rotary engine is a rotor in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle placed in an elliptical space. The three faces of the rotor divide the elliptical space into three independent combustion chambers. Compared with reciprocating piston engines, rotary engines eliminate unnecessary linear motion. Therefore, rotary engines of the same power have smaller dimensions, lighter weight, and lower vibration and noise, making them suitable for small UAVs.

In the military field, in order to achieve the goals of lightweight, miniaturization, and high mobility of military equipment, in addition to UAV applications, equipment such as torpedoes, self-propelled weapons, military robots, and military portable power stations also require engines with high power-to-weight ratios and small volumes. Rotary engines can also be one of the best power options. Therefore, the application prospects of rotary engines are very broad.

The power propulsion system of UAVs is the key to driving the development of UAVs. Currently, all links in the industrial chain of UAV power propulsion systems in China have gradually developed, and domestic companies such as Aviation Power and Zongshen Power have emerged as complete equipment design companies, as well as parts and materials manufacturing companies with key technologies and innovation capabilities. However, at the same time,

China's UAV power propulsion system research and development still lags behind the overall international level, and some links in the industrial chain still have "bottleneck" problems. Yunzheng Power, as a leading domestic aviation rotary engine manufacturer, holds a leading position in the domestic aviation rotary engine field in terms of technological leadership, obvious product advantages, industry-driving role, and significant market potential, and is expected to achieve greater development in this field in the future.