Beehive Industries secures U.S. Air Force contract to advance Frenzy engine family for uncrewed systems development

The contract also includes funding to progress the 100 lbf Frenzy 6 engine. Initial work will involve manufacturing a First Engine to Test asset, with options for further testing and flight demonstrations.

The award is managed through the SOSSEC consortium as part of a broader prototyping effort. It supports the Small Expendable Turbine program under the Family of Affordable Mass Munitions initiative led by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

The initiative is focused on developing low-cost, disposable jet engines for uncrewed and standoff systems. It forms part of a wider effort to shift toward high-volume, cost-effective defense capabilities.

Beehive’s propulsion systems are produced using additive manufacturing technologies. The Frenzy engines are designed for scalable production to support mass-deployed munitions and swarm-class drones.

Gordie Follin, Chief Product Officer at Beehive Industries, highlighted the collaboration’s objectives. “Beehive is honored to partner with the U.S. Air Force in redefining the speed of defense. By harnessing additive manufacturing to collapse complex supply chains into scalable, 3D-printed propulsion, we are providing the ‘affordable mass’ essential to modern deterrence,” he said.

“This collaboration ensures our warfighters will have the high-volume, mission-ready capabilities they need to maintain a competitive edge in any theater,” Follin added. He noted the importance of scalable propulsion systems for future operations.

The contract builds on recent testing achievements for the Frenzy 8 engine. The company said it completed ground and high-altitude testing within a shortened development timeline.

Beehive also launched a Pathfinder program to validate production scalability. The results supported its transition toward large-scale engine manufacturing.

The company said it is balancing continued testing with an accelerated production ramp-up. This approach is intended to support its shift from development to production readiness.

Beehive Industries focuses on advanced propulsion systems for uncrewed aerial applications. Its manufacturing approach is designed to deliver high-performance engines with reduced cost and increased scalability.