Revolution with UAV electric motors

The Russian company ZALA Aero was the first country in the world to successfully develop a small UAV with an internal combustion engine combined with an electric motor.
According to the head of special project ZALA Aero (part of Kalashnikov Group of state technology corporation Rostec), Nikita Khamitov said that Russia has revolutionized the ZALA 421-16E5G product.

“We are the first manufacturer in the world to combine the internal combustion engine and the electric motor in a small UAV. In flight, internal combustion engines are not the main engine, they only provide energy. for generators, battery buffers and electric motors with electronic systems working, “said project leader Khamitov. Aero Company’s product. The electric motor increases uptime, making the aircraft quieter enough to perform unexpected secret missions. Meanwhile, similar products using other internal combustion engines can hardly do that. It is known that, before announcing the ZALA 421-16E5G, ZALA Aero Company also made a surprise with ZALA 421-16E5. This UAV is not only capable of operating 16 hours continuously in the air but is also designed to return to base in the event of a loss of contact with the control center. In the UAV’s electronics department there are cameras with high resolution cameras, night vision equipment and thermal imaging equipment. The images are stacked to facilitate terrain monitoring at any time of day. “The design of this UAV model uses unique technology to create a quality and reliable product. The engine management system is completely inside and controls every detail of the aircraft. In addition, the ZALA 421-16E5 can also be deployed from an electrically controlled launch system in special terrain areas. This is a feature that is being developed with attention in new UAV models today. Old drones can only take off at flat runways and are carefully prepared, “said Zala Aero design director Alexander Zakharov. In addition, Mr. Zakharov also ensured that the ZALA 421-16E5 protective and landing gear has a special design to make the process safe. What makes this UAV so special is its ability to return to the base in case something goes wrong with the control system. Zala Aero is a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov group mainly develops and manufactures air reconnaissance and reconnaissance weapons. The company’s main products include UAVs, helicopters and hot air balloons.