Thousands of long -range drones for blows to the Russian Federation: the expert evaluated whether Ukraine would have enough engines

The same drone model can be equipped with different types of engines, but they can be produced in large numbers. The Canadian physicist and drone expert with Nick Danielr analyzed the possibility of making Ukraine with a large number of long -range drones in view of the engines used. He posted a review of the types of engines and his conclusions on the social network X (Twitter). Ukraine states that in 2024 he will produce thousands of long -range drones.

Among them are probably AQ-400 Scythe ("braid") and Beaver ("Beaver") that can fly hundreds of kilometers. All these drones use engines of the same size with a capacity of about 15-20 hp, so the expert was interested in whether Ukraine can get enough installations for their production. It can be difficult to determine the engines used by Ukraine. One of the problems is that each model of drone has many options.

The photo of the Chinese DLE 170 engine model, which has different edges of the cylinder (green arrows) and exhaust pipes (red arrows). Identification is complicated by the fact that in many photos it is difficult to determine the size of the drone and its engine. In addition, engines of different sizes are similar. The photo shows 2 engine sizes, but without measurements it is difficult to say which one is larger.

Perhaps the most common drones in Ukraine is a two-cylinder 170-cubic engine of the Chinese manufacturer DLE. The DLE 170 engine weighs 4. 3 kg and has a power of 17. 5 hp. Its popularity is probably explained by the fact that it is easy to buy at a relatively low price - $ 1,200. DLE 170 is used on AQ-400 "braid", which is made by Terminal Autonomy. His expert noticed in one of the photos of the drone. An unknown Ukrainian drone, found by the Russians, also had a DLE 170 engine.

A slightly larger and more expensive engine is SP-210 SkyPower. This engine has a volume of 210 cm, weighing 6. 6 kg and a capacity of 17. 1 hp. The price in the manufacturer's price list is 3 145 euros, but there may be a discount for large batches. The SkyPower SP-210 engine is one possible option for braid, it was noticed in the photo. The larger engine is 215 CCs manufactured by the US company Desert Aircraft. The DA-215 motor, like SP-210, can be obtained with double spark plugs.

The DA-215 model was noticed on an unknown interesting Ukrainian drone. Danielr notes that the knowledge of the engine manufacturer can give a hint where the drone is made. There are also several other engine manufacturers for drones with a capacity of 15 to 20 hp. As for the quantity, physical size is important. These engines are neither very large nor very small, indicating that production scaling is controlled. Some companies already produce many UAV engines.

One manufacturer told an expert that he would be able to supply 100 engines per month in a fairly short time. According to the analyst, in Ukraine engines are produced by some local company, but its name is kept secret. The expert summed up that Ukraine can easily get at least a hundred engines per month.

Large range drones will be able to deliver ammunition weighing from 15 kg to 43 kg, which have already caused great damage, in particular, oil refineries and oil depots, as it was already in Belgorod region. The comments note that in the ideal world, all drones should use the same engine - which is the simplest and easiest for constant use. Then engineering expertise can be focused on a drone, not on the understanding of various engines and their integration.

Danielr replied that one glider can be used for several roles. The choice of the engine will depend on the specific application. That is, some of these drones will be not only Kamikadze, but also scouts, bombers or baits, so the more powerful engine may be appropriate. Recall that in 2024 Ukraine caught up with the Russian Federation for the production of Shahd analogues and other similar drones. This was announced by the Minister of Strategic Industry Alexander Kamyshin during a telecommunication.