LiquidPiston develops efficient compact rotary engine for defense and drone applications
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 24
LiquidPiston develops efficient compact rotary engine for defense and drone applications
11 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 24
The U.S. Army and Air Force are evaluating LiquidPiston’s prototype, which is up to 30% more efficient than comparable gasoline engines and can run on diesel or jet fuel.
The engine’s compact size and versatility make it suitable for hybrid drones and portable military power, with Army test results expected next year and a new Air Force drone prototype underway.
This innovation comes as electric vehicle sales decline in the U.S. and hybrid technologies gain renewed attention, highlighting the ongoing relevance of internal combustion engines in specialized sectors.
Why is the U.S. military investing millions in a new combustion engine instead of going all-electric?
Could a startup's rotary engine upend the auto industry's pivot back to hybrid cars?
Can new engine technology solve range anxiety better than building more charging stations?
With EV tax credits gone, will your next car be powered by gasoline, a battery, or both?
As U.S. EV sales falter, are foreign automakers poised to win the emerging global hybrid race?
Are 'range extender' hybrids the real future or just a detour on the road to all-electric vehicles?
How LiquidPiston’s XTS-210 Engine Delivers 5x Power Density and Multi-Fuel Flexibility for 2024 Military Deployment
Overview
The U.S. Army's $9 million contract and over $30 million in DoD funding accelerated LiquidPiston's development of the compact, multi-fuel XTS-210 rotary engine, which began testing in April 2024. Its innovative design, featuring a High Efficiency Hybrid Cycle and stationary combustion chamber, delivers five times the power-to-weight ratio of traditional diesel engines while being 80% smaller and lighter. This efficiency extends UAV and VTOL flight endurance by up to 60% and enables a man-portable 10kW generator that is 75% lighter than current systems. Integrated into hybrid-electric platforms, the engine supports silent operation and electric-assist power bursts, enhancing military agility and logistics. Military validation now paves the way for broader commercial applications.