‘World’s first true hybrid propulsion’ for drones eyed by Elbit with new pact

The company required a solution that complies with NATO standards for electric-stealth operation, and maintains military-grade reliability.

Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems has signed a 10-year pact with Lowental Hybrid Ltd. to extend mission endurance fivefold for its drones. The latter will supply its Native Parallel Hybrid propulsion systems for this cause.

By implementing these propulsion systems, Elbit Systems will achieve significant extended flight duration, minimize ground battery logistics requirements through in-flight charging, and maintain silent electric operation for covert missions.

Lowental Hybrid’s Chairman, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amikam Norkin, and the former Commander of the Israeli Air Force, have endorsed this deal, supporting Elbit Systems’ attempts to enhance tactical UAV capabilities while adhering to evolving military operational requirements.

Elbit Systems aimed to significantly extend the flight time of its tactical UAVs while preserving quiet, low-signature performance critical for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

The company required a solution that complies with NATO standards for electric-stealth operation, maintains military-grade reliability, and reduces reliance on ground-based battery logistics.

Reasons for signing up

Lowental Hybrid’s Native Parallel Hybrid was selected for its ability to deliver extended endurance with operational simplicity, continuous in-flight battery charging, and Israeli-developed technology ensuring supply-chain independence and compliance with strict defense and export regulations.

Unlike traditional combustion-only or fully electric setups, the system allows smooth switching between electric and combustion power modes. Flight tests confirmed its performance, and its modular architecture allows it to be integrated into a range of UAV platforms, supporting broader use beyond the initial rollout.

Details of the deal

The decade-long deal between the two firms includes development, procurement, and service with an initial scope of approximately $1.4 million. This stage will be followed by substantial multi-year revenue from additional systems and support.

Lowental Hybrid will provide dedicated engineering and integration support throughout the contract term, enabling Elbit Systems to integrate the hybrid propulsion technology across multiple UAV programs.

“Elbit Systems is a global leader in unmanned aerial solutions, and we are proud to collaborate with them on introducing true hybrid propulsion into a tactical platform. Our joint work marks an important technological milestone, enhancing endurance, reliability, and simplicity of use,” Doron Fridman, CEO, Lowental Hybrid Ltd, told Interesting Engineering in a statement.

“This achievement reflects how close cooperation between innovative startups and established defense leaders can accelerate meaningful progress in the UAV domain,” he continued.

Knowing the firm

Established in 2018 by CTO Itay Lowental and COO Netta Lowental, Lowental Hybrid Ltd. designs and produces Native Parallel Hybrid propulsion systems for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles.

Its patented architecture is hybrid at the core, combining electric stealth capabilities with the endurance of combustion power through a shared drivetrain. The system is designed to significantly extend flight duration while maintaining quiet operation and operational reliability, without requiring major airframe modifications.

Based in Israel, the company is led by CEO Doron Fridman and Chairman Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amikam Norkin. Lowental Hybrid works with defense and UAV manufacturers to support the development of advanced propulsion solutions for mission-focused aerial platforms.

Read the full article: https://interestingengineering.com/military/elbit-hybrid-propulsion-flight-duration-fivefold