Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC), a subsidiary of the state-owned Rostec, is presenting its latest small-scale engines and cutting-edge propulsion systems for advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the UMEX 2026 exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
"At the Umex 2026 international specialized exhibition, UEC is featuring small-scale engines and several breakthrough demonstrators, including a hybrid power plant (HPP), a power unit, and a high-capacity battery module," the company’s press service stated. "These technologies are designed for integration into next-generation aircraft."
Mikhail Shemet, Chief Designer for Advanced Research at UEC-Klimov, noted that the company recently concluded a five-year R&D cycle. The centerpiece of this effort is a 500-kW hybrid power plant demonstrator. "As heavy-duty drones evolve, we are seeing rapid growth in hybrid and electric propulsion. These developments offer a relevant solution for future UAVs," Shemet emphasized. "We are already seeing significant interest in our hybrid systems and battery modules from both domestic and international drone developers."
The exhibition centerpiece is a 500-kW hybrid power plant demonstrator, a development unique to the Russian industry, engineered on the foundation of the VK-650V helicopter engine.
Complementing this is a 25-kW high-power battery module, specifically designed for integration into various types of hybrid and electric aircraft. A standout feature of this module is its immersion liquid cooling system. According to UEC, this unique technology facilitates sustained discharge at peak power levels and enables rapid charging while significantly extending the battery's overall service life.
The corporation is also showcasing its range of small-scale turbojet engines within the 40 to 150 kgf thrust class. These units are characterized by superior fuel efficiency and a simplified lubrication system, offering a significantly lower weight profile than their analogues in the same category.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Valery Ded/Creative Commons 3.0
Based on materials from TASS