Radio-Controlled (RC) planes are popular with aviation geeks around the world and so it was interesting to find a firm in Coimbatore that manufactures miniature models of aeroplane engines used during World War II. Since flying RC planes is not yet very popular in India, many of these engines are exported. UMS Technologies, founded by GD Naidu, is the perhaps only manufacturer in India till date.
Earlier, aircrafts used linear engines that generated a lot of noise and occupied a lot of space which alarmed the enemies. This is when radial engines were introduced in which the pistons and cylinders are arranged in a circle and work independently thus preventing them from touching each other or causing any vibration. We make the miniaturised versions of these radial engines that were used during the Second World War, said N Ramaraj, the Deputy General Manager of the firm.
When there are more advanced technologies, why are these engines special? One reason is that it gives the experience and feel of flying an aircraft similar to those used in World War II. The look, sound and accuracy are identical. Radial engines are a better call for those who own smaller planes because they are tougher and smoother in operation compared to the rest, said Ramaraj.
The company started by making simple miniature models of 25cc engines, says Ramaraj, and the firm currently produces five different models with varying cylinder volumes of 35cc, 77cc and 99 cc. These are called glow engines and use methanol as fuel and castor oil for lubrication. Two others of 160cc and 260cc come under the gas engine category and run on petrol.
Talking about exporting these engines, S Akila Shanmugham, the Director of UMS Group, said, “We make around 350 engines a year and export to countries like the US, Germany and Austria. From here they are exported to other nations. We have been doing this for 15 years and the demand for these engines has not reduced.”
Asked why RC planes are not popular in India, GD Gopal, Chairman, said that the primary reasons were lack of space and the cost. It has the reputation of being a rich man’s hobby. He added that the RC planes with radial engines can also be used for teaching aerodynamics.
Quick facts
Price of the engines ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹2.5 lakhs
Price of the plane ranges from ₹3 lakhs and ₹7 lakhs depending on its size and engine volume
Open space of around 2 sqkm is required to fly these plans
According to a recent circular from the DGCA, permission from the local police is required to fly such planes
