Small Two-stroke engines for UAV propulsion
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have rapidly evolved from niche technology to vital tools in fields like logistics, telecommunications, emergencies, defense, and environmental monitoring. This expansion creates a pressing demand for more capable and sustainable propulsion systems. While small drones often use electric motors, their limited power and endurance are significant constraints for larger, mission-critical UAVs that require heavy payloads, long range, and high reliability. This is where our research comes in.
Our group focuses on developing advanced internal combustion engines (ICEs) and powertrains, specifically high-performance two-stroke engines, as the optimal solution for medium-sized UAVs. These engines offer the superior power density, rapid refueling, and robust performance necessary for the next generation of autonomous flight.
A key strength of our spark-ignition-based thermal propulsion systems is their inherent fuel flexibility, making them a versatile and future-proof platform for a wide range of sustainable energy sources. Guided by the global imperative for sustainability, our work focuses also in the development of robust powertrains that may use carbon-neutral and synthetic fuels (e-fuels), such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) or ethanol.
We are dedicated to designing the efficient, powerful, and environmentally responsible propulsion systems that will power the future of UAV propulsion.
Research Projects
IND2024/IND-33918: Hybrid Direct-Injection Propulsion for Sustainable UAVs
Innovating towards more sustainable aviation with hybrid propulsion systems.
[2025-2028] Industrial Partner: Alpha Unmanned Systems; Budget: 165.000€
Funding Agency: Comunidad de Madrid, Industrial PhD Program.
IND2023/IND-28787: Development of a Multi-Fuel Two-Stroke Engine for Helicopter UAVs
Converting conventional spark-ignition engines for versatile, multi-fuel operation.
[2023-2026] Industrial Partner: Alpha Unmanned Systems; Budget: 142.000€
Funding Agency: Comunidad de Madrid, Industrial PhD Program.
University Partnership Program
Acknowledgements to AVL Advanced Simulation Technologies for their University Partnership Program with the Thermal Energy for Sustainability (TE4S) research group at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
