Hirth Engines and ePropelled have entered a strategic collaboration aimed at delivering the next generation of hybrid propulsion solutions for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), aerospace, defence, and specialised mobility markets.
The partnership merges Hirth’s experience in high-performance two-stroke combustion engines with ePropelled’s technology in intelligent electric propulsion and power management. This integration aims to address the growing market demand for lightweight, energy-efficient systems that offer extended mission endurance and operational flexibility. By combining mechanical power with advanced electric power generation, the companies intend to deliver propulsion systems featuring superior power-to-weight ratios for use in challenging environments.
The joint effort will focus on integrating Hirth’s engine line with ePropelled’s starter-generators, electronic engine starters, and intelligent power systems. These hybrid solutions are expected to provide significant gains in fuel efficiency, increased payload capacity, and lower lifecycle operating costs. Furthermore, the systems are designed to offer enhanced redundancy for mission-critical applications while meeting emerging environmental and regulatory standards.
By merging mechanical power with advanced electric power generation, the new hybrid systems will serve customers who require superior power‑to‑weight ratios, long operational endurance, and dependable performance in challenging environments.
Bruno‑Gerard König, CEO of Hirth Engines, commented, “This partnership elevates what our engines can achieve and opens new opportunities in fast‑growing sectors such as UAVs and advanced air mobility. ePropelled’s technology perfectly complements Hirth’s heritage of engineering excellence.”
Nick Grewal, CEO & Founder of ePropelled, added, “Combining our intelligent electric power‑generation systems with Hirth’s world‑class engines allows us to deliver hybrid solutions that set a new benchmark for performance and efficiency. This collaboration accelerates the future of hybrid propulsion.”
Accelerating Innovation Across Industries
The partnership will focus on applications including:
- UAVs and uncrewed systems
- Advanced air mobility (AAM) platforms
- Defence and surveillance missions
- Industrial and commercial aerial applications
- Lightweight hybrid ground vehicles
Research, development, and system integration are already underway, with prototype demonstrations scheduled for the Unmanned Systems Exhibition in Abu Dhabi in January 2026 following upcoming project cycles.
