UAV Propulsion Tech provides a comprehensive range of propulsion systems that enhance the performance, endurance, and adaptability of unmanned aircraft. Read more >>
By connecting advanced European manufacturers with defense and aerospace customers in the United States, the company delivers proven solutions spanning combustion, turbine, and electric power technologies through partnerships with Suter Industries/CAE GmbH, Plettenberg Elektromotoren, and AMT Micro Turbines.
Propulsion remains a decisive factor in UAV capability. Beyond generating thrust, these systems supply electrical power to avionics and payloads while supporting vibration control, fuel efficiency, and acoustic management. UAV Propulsion Tech’s portfolio reflects a complete systems approach that addresses all these operational requirements.
Two-Stroke Propulsion from Suter Industries and CAE GmbH
Through collaboration with Suter Industries of Switzerland and CAE Engines of Germany, UAV Propulsion Tech provides a family of high-performance two-stroke propulsion systems developed using racing-derived engineering methodologies. The range includes multiple configurations, such as air- and water-cooled gasoline variants and a semi-direct injected heavy-fuel model capable of operating on Jet-A1, JP5, or JP8. Each unit is manufactured in Switzerland under ISO 9001:2015 quality standards and subjected to 100% testing with accompanying certificates of conformance prior to delivery.
Electric Systems from Plettenberg Elektromotoren
Plettenberg Elektromotoren, manufacturing exclusively in Germany under EN 9100:2018 certification, supplies UAV Propulsion Tech with its electric propulsion systems for defense and aerospace platforms. The product line encompasses motors, electronic speed controllers, starter-generator units, and supporting integration accessories, all fully compliant with NDAA sourcing requirements.
Available configurations include commercial off-the-shelf, modified off-the-shelf options with customized windings to match specific voltage and RPM requirements, and fully customized designs meeting MIL-STD 810H or RTCA DO-160 standards. The NOVA, ADVANCE, and ORBIT motor series cover a power range up to 50 kW, supporting both endurance-focused and high-power UAV applications.
Turbine Power from AMT Micro Turbines
To meet demand for high-speed UAV and counter-UAV propulsion, UAV Propulsion Tech added AMT Micro Turbines’ advanced turbine engines to its lineup. The Netherlands-based manufacturer designs axial-flow turbines that deliver thrust ranging from 230 N to 1569 N with high fuel efficiency and rapid acceleration. Running on Jet-A1, JP5, JP8, or diesel, these systems require no separate lubrication system. Each turbine is assembled by skilled engineers and rigorously performance-tested before dispatch to ensure consistent operation and safety.
Technical Partnership for System Integration
Founder Bob Schmidt applies decades of propulsion and aerospace experience to align UAV Propulsion Tech’s global partners with the specific technical and compliance needs of U.S. defense programs. The company’s role extends beyond product distribution, providing technical coordination and regulatory guidance to integrators developing next-generation UAV platforms.
By linking established aerospace manufacturers with North American defense applications, UAV Propulsion Tech continues to deliver propulsion technologies that combine reliability, precision, and performance across diverse unmanned system requirements.
