Aircraft propulsion expert MTU Aero Engines AG is acquiring AeroDesignWorks GmbH. The provider of drone propulsion systems is based in Cologne, Germany, and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of MTU.
With this move, the engine specialist is strategically expanding its portfolio to include propulsion solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and modern guided missile systems.
At the same time, AeroDesignWorks will benefit from MTU’s industrial capabilities in engine manufacturing.
“Through AeroDesignWorks, we are ensuring accelerated and substantial entry into a key growth sector,” says Dr. Ottmar Pfänder, Chief Program Officer of MTU Aero Engines AG. “Autonomous and high-precision systems are increasingly becoming a focal point of European aerospace and defence strategies. With this acquisition, MTU will continue making an important contribution to strengthening Europe’s technological independence. At the same time, we are reinforcing our commitment to playing a decisive role in shaping the future of European propulsion systems.”
MTU is an established provider of military aircraft engines. Through its involvement in the engines for the Tornado and Eurofighter fighter jets, the Tiger and CH-53K helicopters, and the A400M transport aircraft, the company possesses comprehensive expertise in development, production, and maintenance of complex systems.
By developing technology for the engines of the next generation of European fighter jets, MTU is shaping the future of military engine manufacturing in Germany. In addition, MTU is now exploring opportunities in the field of unmanned aerial systems.
Startup Agility Meets Industrial Performance
With the acquisition of AeroDesignWorks, MTU is combining the industrial clout of a global engine manufacturer with the agility of a specialized high-tech company. For AeroDesignWorks, this move offers the opportunity to significantly scale up its own products and in turn, meet the growing demand from European armed forces and industrial customers on a large scale.
MTU’s comprehensive manufacturing expertise will be a decisive factor in this regard. Together, the companies aim to leverage their complementary capabilities and become a leading European provider of an even wider range of military propulsion systems. At the same time, MTU already possesses expertise in the propulsion of autonomous flight systems through another subsidiary, the electric motor manufacturer eMoSys.
Startup Agility Meets Industrial Performance
With the acquisition of AeroDesignWorks, MTU is combining the industrial clout of a global engine manufacturer with the agility of a specialized high-tech company. For AeroDesignWorks, this move offers the opportunity to significantly scale up its own products and in turn, meet the growing demand from European armed forces and industrial customers on a large scale.
MTU’s comprehensive manufacturing expertise will be a decisive factor in this regard. Together, the companies aim to leverage their complementary capabilities and become a leading European provider of an even wider range of military propulsion systems. At the same time, MTU already possesses expertise in the propulsion of autonomous flight systems through another subsidiary, the electric motor manufacturer eMoSys.
Source: MTU Aero Engines