Two-Stroke vs Wankel Engines for UAVs: Which Propulsion Technology is Most Suitable for the Respective Mission Profile?
The choice of propulsion system in the development of unmanned aerial systems is far more than a
matter of design detail. For technical decision-makers, it directly influences flight duration, payload
capacity, integration capabilities within the platform, reliability in the field, maintenance requirements,
and long-term operating costs. Especially for UAVs designed for tactical operations, long-range missions,
or sensor-based reconnaissance tasks, the engine is an essential system component rather than an
exchangeable standard part.