RuAviation

Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) has disclosed two new domestically developed piston engines aimed at expanding indigenous propulsion options for civil unmanned aircraft and general aviation. The developments, unveiled at the INNOPROM industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg, address two distinct segments of the market: small unmanned aircraft and light manned platforms.

The announcement reflects continuing efforts to reduce dependence on imported piston engines, which have traditionally equipped much of Russia’s civil UAV fleet and recreational aircraft. While both engines remain at different stages of programme maturity, UEC said the smaller APD-13 has already completed its initial test campaign, whereas the larger M105 is progressing through the regulatory process ahead of certification.

Designed for civil UAV applications, the APD-13 is a two-cylinder, air-cooled, two-stroke engine rated at 13 hp. UEC said both bench and flight testing have been completed, with the engine demonstrating its specified performance throughout the intended operating envelope. The company said the design incorporates an external fuel-air mixing system intended to improve thermal management and fuel metering, while spark ignition provides reliable starting and stable operation across the engine’s speed range.

The M105 targets a different market, providing propulsion for light aeroplanes and gyroplanes. The turbocharged, fuel-injected, four-cylinder engine develops 115 hp and is being positioned as a domestic alternative to imported powerplants in the same class. UEC said it is completing the process of obtaining a developer certificate from Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya), marking the next step towards formal certification.

The two programmes illustrate a broader expansion of Russia’s indigenous piston-engine capability beyond traditional gas-turbine products. UEC also confirmed that it expects to add a 6 hp piston engine to the family later this year, extending the range to cover smaller unmanned aircraft requiring lower-output propulsion systems.