Gasoline-powered drones can fly significantly farther than their electric counterparts, Russian military expert Yuri Knutov said while commenting on reports of a new Russian strike UAV resembling the Lancet loitering munition.

According to Knutov, the main advantage of an internal combustion engine is its potential to extend a drone’s operational range. Increasing engine power and fuel capacity could allow the aircraft to cover substantially greater distances without reducing the size of its explosive payload.

The analyst argued that these improvements could outweigh the disadvantages associated with gasoline propulsion.

However, Knutov also identified several weaknesses that could make the new aircraft more vulnerable to detection.

Unlike the electric motors used in the Lancet drone family, gasoline engines generate considerably more noise during flight. This makes the aircraft easier to notice, potentially reducing one of the advantages of electrically powered loitering munitions.

Another drawback is the increased heat produced by an internal combustion engine. Knutov explained that the stronger thermal signature makes gasoline-powered UAVs more conspicuous and easier for enemy forces to detect.

Earlier, Ukrainian media reported that Russian troops may have begun deploying a new type of strike drone in the conflict zone.

The aircraft reportedly resembles the Lancet in appearance but differs in its propulsion system, replacing the electric motor with a gasoline-powered engine.