To power the self-sustaining Antares 18T, the proven Solo 2350 will be utilized. The engine is characterized by a simple construction and high reliability.
Developing a self-sustainer utilizing electrical propulsion is currently not viable, because in order to achieve the range required for a self-sustaining glider, the size of the battery-pack would have to be comparable to the pack installed in the Antares 20E. This is contrary to the basic idea behind a self sustaining glider, which is to provide a very economical way of staying aloft.
Antares 18T: Proven reliability, simple controls