These are cheaper and faster to build compared to engines built using traditional methods.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works .
Beehive Industries, a startup jet engine manufacturer based in Colorado, just secured a $30 million contract from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to continue the research and development of small 3D-printed jet engines for uncrewed aircraft and stand-off weapons. According to the company , the USAF funding is allocated for vehicle integration, flight testing, and qualification of the Frenzy 8 — the company’s flagship engine that delivers 200lbs of thrust — as well as the possible flight demonstration of the smaller 100lb-thrust Frenzy 6. By comparison, the F-16 Viper is powered by either a GE F110 or Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, both of which develop thrust of over 29,000lbs.
“By harnessing additive manufacturing to collapse complex supply chains into scalable, 3D-printed propulsion, we are providing the ‘affordable mass’ essential to modern deterrence,” said Beehive Industries Chief Product Officer Gordie Follin said. “This collaboration ensures our warfighters will have the high-volume, mission-ready capabilities they need to maintain a competitive edge in any theater.” The company is competing against established giants like GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Honeywell Aerospace for the small engine contract. This might seem like it’s disadvantaged, especially as these companies have established contracts with the Pentagon. However, all three have reported backlogs in various departments, meaning Beehive could probably deliver and maintain its engines much quicker than them.
Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News , or add us as a preferred source , to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds.
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/startup-secures-usd30-million-contract-to-3d-print-jet-engines-for-the-usaf-company-to-test-and-develop-small-turbojets-for-drones-and-long-range-weapons#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
- Clippy, Microsoft’s hapless Office assistant, was retired 25 years ago today — its irritating spirit lives on in 100+ Copilots
- Chinese Nvidia Cloud Partner procured 300 servers with banned AI GPUs worth $92 million — shares of data center supplier Sharetronic plummet following Super Mic
- The Future of AI Is Open and Proprietary
- Microsoft simplifies Windows Insider program — fewer channels, and switching without wiping your device
- Anthropic's Claude Mythos isn't a sentient super-hacker, it's a sales pitch — claims of 'thousands' of severe zero-days rely on just 198 manual reviews
Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.