A number of propulsion methods for miniature aircrafts are theoretically examined in terms of the unit specificpower and specific energy. The propulsion methods include internal combustion engines (four-stroke, twostroke,reciprocating and rotary engines), pneumatic means, mechanical-elastic elements, and thermo-elasticelements. It is concluded that as the size of the propulsion unit decreases, the ICE losses its advantages, andother means, in particular pneumatics, advanced-material thermo-elastic elements or perhaps recentdevelopments of fuel-cells (not shown in this paper), become favor options.
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