What might the next generation UAV engines look like?
Alec Schlonik is co-founder and CEO of LiquidPiston, a Connecticut based company that is revolutionizing next-generation engine development. The company develops and licenses compact & efficient power solutions based on an optimized thermodynamic cycle and a new type of rotary engine architecture. The patented high-efficiency cycle is the biggest leap forward in combustion engine technology over the last 85 years. It holds great promise as the preferred future propulsion solution for both military and heavy commercial drones. Alec has a PhD in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from MIT, and has spent a decade-plus reinventing the rotary engine that Felix Wankel created in 1960 and Mazda is bringing back to life in 2019. In this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Alec talks about Liquid Piston, it’s revolutionary engine and the potential value and impact on the military and commercial UAV sectors.