Russian UEC Demos Hybrid UAV Engine at UMEX exhibition

Russia's United Engine Corporation (UEC)has unveiled a 500 kW hybrid power plant for drones at the UMEX 2026 international exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

The hybrid power plant was developed by UEC-Klimov and is based on the VK-650V helicopter engine.

According to Rostec, the system combines a gas turbine with electric motors, an electric generator, batteries, and power electronics. This configuration increases flight range and endurance compared to fully electric systems and enables new aircraft concepts, including vertical or ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft as well as tiltrotors.

Alongside the hybrid engine, UEC is also presenting a 25 kW high-power battery module and a 35 kW piston engine-based power unit.The battery module features an immersion liquid cooling system and a redundant monitoring and control system, allowing sustained operation at peak power, fast charging, and an extended service life.

The power unit can be used as an alternative to batteries, supplying electricity to electric motors or operating as a gasoline generator, even in extreme temperatures ranging from −40°C to +55°C.These power solutions are designed primarily for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

UEC is also displaying small-size turbojet engines in the 40–150 kgf thrust class, as well as the RH50 kerosene-powered turbogenerator. These engines are already used on Russian UAVs and are intended for future unmanned and manned aircraft.