Hirth Engines has announced that during Xponential 2019, it will demonstrate its future innovation program, and showcase the latest lightweight propulsion system technologies.

With its two-stroke propulsion systems, Hirth says that it meets customers’ needs for endurance, reduced footprints, lightweight platforms, cost-effectiveness and safer operations.

To deliver technologies for the future, Hirth says that it is now looking toward hybrid applications to “harness the power” of both an internal combustion engine and electrical motors.

“This is only the beginning and confirms that two-stroke provides a unique role in the future of UAV applications,” says Peter Lietz, head of international business development for Hirth Engines.

“The performance, durability and ease of maintenance for two-stroke engines is unbeatable and provides an ideal platform for the future of aviation, manned or unmanned. We are very excited to be exploring deliverable solutions for the future of UAVs.”

Hirth says that its experts recognize that the two-stroke engine is the “perfect partner” for electrical power units, as low power to weight ratios enable higher payload capacity, while lower torque and the absence of voltage peaks reduce energy requirements.

With this research, a whole new generation of applications across maritime, land and civilian sectors will be delivered, Hirth says, adding that UAS—especially vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platforms— will move to the next level of their development.

Hirth also notes that UAS manufacturers will benefit from hybrid applications. Some of these benefits include extended ranges and longer endurance levels, lower emissions and increased fuel efficiencies.

“The key partnership between advanced two stroke propulsion systems and electric power offers significantly better power-to-weight ratio and improvements in safety levels,” Lietz says.

“Thanks to the use of a hybrid engine application, VTOL platforms in the future will be able to fulfil a wider variety of tasks in comparison to their fixed-wing counterparts.”

Hirth Engines will be at Booth 4536 during Xponential.