The single rotor unit delivers 8.5 kW. Reliablility testing was scheduled for the first half of 1997. Both the Series 40 and 580 engines have completed the NATO 400 hour test standard cycle. RPI owns about 29 patents and patent applications in six countries. Then a main injection nozzle creates a layered stratified charge. The result is more complete combustion and reduced consumption and emissions.
Fuel can be heavy like diesel or jet fuel.
The geometry of the RCE chamber allows the RCE to operate at a very lean fuel air ratio compared to piston engines, resulting in low emissions of oxides of nitrogen. RPI also believes non-methane hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions were below CARB limits even without after treatment. UAV technology could be applied commercially to aerial photography, crop spraying, package delivery, atmospheric sampling, communications relay, border patrols and forest fire detection. There were delays and a change of sponsorship, but testing was scheduled for late 1997. RPI had a license agreement with Wankel GmbH for about 70 patents and patent applications in six countries relating to small rotary engines.