UMEX 2026 – Russian UEC demonstrates the newest developments for advanced UAVs
Russian United Engine Corporation (UEC) of Rostec exhibited its small turbojet engines and the newest advanced developments, including Hybrid Electric Propulsion Unit (HPU), the generation system and the high-power battery module demonstrators for advanced aircraft and UAVs
On the UEC stand the company presented a 500 kW HPU which is a unique Russian development. The HPU is based on the VK-650V helicopter engine which is developed by UEC-Klimov from St-Petersburg. The series HPU application gives an opportunity to design new upper-performance aircraft like VTOL, ultra-STOL and tiltrotor planes.
The HPU includes gas turbine and electric engines, an electric generator, accumulator battery and power electronics. The combination of gas turbine and electric engines provides the main HPU advantage in the form of increased flight range and endurance compared to purely electric power units.
As a representative of UEC-Klimov explained to EDR On-Line that, “our company has completed the five-year R&D project. The successful outcome is the development of the 500 kW HPU demonstrator. The demonstrator passed bench tests and confirmed built-in technical solutions. The 35 kW generation system and the 25 kW high-power accumulator battery module were also developed. The wave of heavy transport UAVs development led to an active growth of hybrid and electric technologies. The developments shown here will become an important solution for advanced UAVs. We are also noticing the keen interest from Russian and foreign UAV developers in the , the generation system and the high-power battery module”.
The 25 kW high-power battery module could be incorporated into electric or hybrid-electric power units of different aircraft types. Among its advantages we can underline the immersion liquid cooling system, and the duplicated operation and control system with dynamic charge balance. This is a proprietary UEC-Klimov development and has no analogues in Russia.
The immersion cooling system is unique because it provides a long battery discharge process at peak power, fast charging and longer service life. Such technical characteristics are optimal for HPU-equipped aircraft and even for ground transport.
The 35kW piston-engine-based generation system is an effective alternative to accumulator batteries. It is designed to power the electric motors of multirotor UAVs and special ground transport platforms. This generation system can be used as a gasoline generator to provide electrical power.
The ability to use it at temperatures from -40 °C to +55 °C makes it highly versatile. Unlike batteries, the generation system has higher energy parameters, which makes it possible to increase UAV flight range and endurance.
Small 40-150 kgf thrust turbojet engines were Also exhibited, which EDR On-Line previously reported from Dubai Airshow 2025.
Photos by N. Novichkov