General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

GA-ASI Acquires Achates Power’s Engine Technology Portfolio to Advance UAS Propulsion

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) acquires Achates Power’s engine technology, enhancing UAS propulsion with high-efficiency, low-emission, and high-power-density engines for next-generation aircraft By Joe Macey / 26 Aug 2025
Follow UST

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) acquisition of key assets, including a portfolio of patents and other intellectual property, from Achates Power, Inc., a San Diego-based innovator in advanced engine technology.

The acquisition strengthens GA-ASI’s capabilities in high-performance propulsion systems and underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to advancing propulsion technologies for its line of unmanned aircraft systems that enhance the performance and sustainability of its aerospace systems.

David Alexander, President of GA-ASI, said, “We are excited to incorporate Achates Power’s opposed-piston engine technology into GA-ASI’s portfolio. Their advancements in green technology emission reduction, fuel efficiency and power density align perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative solutions for airborne platforms.”

Achates Power has long been recognized for its work in developing best-in-class low-emission, fuel-efficient, and high-power-density engines.

Dave Crompton, CEO of Achates Power, added, “Achates Power’s engine designs deliver exceptional value for applications requiring high efficiency and power density, particularly in environments with strict emissions regulations. We are proud that our technology will continue to thrive under GA-ASI, a company renowned for its technical excellence and diverse expertise.”

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Joe Macey Joseph Macey is a Content Specialist at Unmanned Systems Technology. Since joining in 2022, he has focused on emerging technologies in unmanned systems, with particular expertise in Counter-UAS, communication systems, and camera technologies. A graduate of Falmouth University in Journalism, Joseph began his career in 2019 as a local reporter. His journalism experience not only sharpens his reporting but also enhances his ability to conduct in-depth interviews, enabling him to deliver authoritative insights on the latest industry trends. Connect

More from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

GA-ASI Partners with Belgian Defense Leaders on MQ-9B ISR Technology
GA-ASI Partners with Belgian Defense Leaders on MQ-9B ISR Technology

GA-ASI, Thales, Octave, and dotOcean sign a landmark MoU to integrate advanced C4ISR software, geospatial visualization, and AI sensor processing into MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian platforms for European defense operations

Jul 30, 2026
GA-ASI Enters Partnership to Integrate SPEAR Missiles on MQ-9B & Gambit 6
GA-ASI Enters Partnership to Integrate SPEAR Missiles on MQ-9B & Gambit 6

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and MBDA have committed to integrate SPEAR precision strike missiles onto the MQ-9B and Gambit 6 uncrewed aircraft to deliver advanced long range combat capabilities worldwide

Jul 28, 2026
GA-ASI Progresses Joint Strike Missile Integration for MQ-9B UAS
GA-ASI Progresses Joint Strike Missile Integration for MQ-9B UAS

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and KONGSBERG are advancing the integration of the Joint Strike Missile with the MQ-9B, completing key design reviews as part of a jointly funded effort to add long-range strike capability to the uncrewed platform

Jul 24, 2026
GA-ASI Completes Weapons Qualification Testing for RAF Protector
GA-ASI Completes Weapons Qualification Testing for RAF Protector

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has concluded weapons qualification testing for the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1, qualifying Paveway IV and Brimstone 3 following six years of US-UK governmental and industry collaboration

Jul 22, 2026
GA-ASI Showcases Full-Scale CCA Model at Farnborough
GA-ASI Showcases Full-Scale CCA Model at Farnborough

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is exhibiting a full-scale Collaborative Combat Aircraft model at Farnborough International Airshow following its FQ-42A production contract and increased CCA production capacity

Jul 20, 2026
A Decade of UAS Innovation at GA-ASI Flight Test & Training Center
A Decade of UAS Innovation at GA-ASI Flight Test & Training Center

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems marks 10 years of operations at its North Dakota facility, celebrating historic uncrewed aviation milestones and training over 4,000 pilots and operators

Jul 20, 2026
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.