Beehive Industries, an American manufacturer of advanced propulsion systems for uncrewed aerial defense applications, has been awarded a study contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and SOSSEC, Inc. The contract will support the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Propulsion Studies Prototype Project, a cornerstone of the Department of Defense’s strategy for scalable and affordable uncrewed combat capabilities.

As part of the study, Beehive will evaluate an additively-enabled engine architecture in the 1,000 lb thrust class. The engine is expected to enhance critical CCA performance metrics, spanning options of increased range, reduced cost, increased cruise speed capability, electrical power and thermal capability, and increased payload.

“It’s an honor to support the U.S. Air Force in evaluating next-generation propulsion systems for CCAs,” said Gordie Follin, Chief Product Officer for Beehive. “We’re unlocking new performance capabilities for jet engines at a rapid pace, and that’s due in part to Beehive’s unique additive manufacturing methods.”

The award follows Beehive’s recent successful test of a 500 lb. thrust engine, part of its strategy to develop a scalable family of engines ranging from 100 to 5,000 lbs. of thrust for drones, standoff systems, and CCA applications. This program will enable Beehive to apply its additively-enabled design and manufacturing processes directly in support of the need for capable, affordable, and readily available propulsion systems.