{"id":139309,"date":"2026-04-12T03:06:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T21:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=139309"},"modified":"2026-04-11T20:46:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T15:16:40","slug":"us-air-force-awards-30-million-contract-for-mass-production-of-small-jet-engines-for-drones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/12\/us-air-force-awards-30-million-contract-for-mass-production-of-small-jet-engines-for-drones\/","title":{"rendered":"US Air Force Awards $30 Million Contract for Mass Production of Small Jet Engines for Drones"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON\u2014<\/strong> The United States Air Force (USAF)<\/a> has awarded a $29.7 million contract<\/strong> to startup Beehive Industries to develop compact, disposable jet engines designed for drones and precision munitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative supports broader U.S. efforts to expand scalable missile and drone production under new defense modernization programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials aim to improve affordability while increasing production speed across next-generation autonomous systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: US Air Force<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

US Air Force Engine Contract<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Air Force awarded the contract to Beehive Industries to complete integration, flight testing, and qualification of its Frenzy 8 engine<\/strong>, a lightweight propulsion system designed for expendable use in military platforms. The company will also begin producing a test version of its smaller Frenzy 6 engine<\/strong> under the same agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beehive Industries is among several firms contributing to the U.S. Air Force\u2019s push for affordable mass production of propulsion systems. These engines<\/a> are intended for integration into drones, missiles, and other unmanned systems under evolving defense requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The contract aligns with the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM)<\/strong> program, which received $620 million in combined procurement and research funding<\/strong> in fiscal 2026. The program focuses on rapidly deployable, low-cost weapons systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Beehive Industries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Frenzy Engine Development<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beehive Industries is developing two key propulsion models under its Frenzy line. The Frenzy 8 engine delivers 100\u2013300 pounds of thrust<\/strong>, while the smaller Frenzy 6 variant is designed to produce around 100 pounds of thrust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company reported that Frenzy 8 has already completed early-stage testing, including a First Engine Test and altitude evaluation. The first flight is expected in the near term, marking a critical milestone in the development cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new contract also supports vehicle integration work with multiple manufacturers. Beehive is preparing for expanded flight testing as part of its qualification process for operational deployment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Beehive Industries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Defense Production Expansion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. Department of Defense is accelerating investment in low-cost propulsion systems as part of broader modernization efforts. The FAMM program also includes the development of sensors, autonomous systems, and networked communication technologies for future combat platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beehive Industries projects rapid scaling capability through additive manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing. The company expects production capacity to reach 3,000 to 5,000 engines annually by 2027<\/strong>, with potential for further expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Frenzy 6 program, launched on April 9, is expected to reach production readiness by 2027. Officials expect it to move through early testing within a short development cycle, reflecting the urgency of deployment timelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Separately, defense<\/a> agencies, including DARPA, have increased industry engagement on propulsion innovation. The Air Force has also awarded multiple companies contracts to explore engine designs for Collaborative Combat Aircraft programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Beehive Industries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturing and Future Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beehive Industries, founded in 2020, is positioning itself as a key supplier in the growing market for small, expendable jet engines. The company emphasizes rapid production methods to meet increasing defense demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Executives state that additive manufacturing allows faster scaling and lower production costs compared to traditional methods. This approach supports the Air Force\u2019s goal of deploying large volumes of low-cost aerial systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The broader defense strategy signals a long-term shift toward distributed, mass-produced airpower systems. These developments aim to enhance operational flexibility while maintaining cost efficiency in future military operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Largest Air Force in the World Requests $1 Billion to Procure CCA Drone Wingmen in 2027<\/a><\/blockquote>