UAV Propulsion Tech, located in Tampa, Florida, markets and distributes commercial off-the-shelf and custom hardware for uncrewed aircraft used on global aviation programs. Read more >>
The company represents suppliers from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, the Czech Republic, Poland, India, the Netherlands, Italy, and Estonia, connecting these technologies with manufacturers and operators in the United States. This portfolio brings propulsion, navigation, sensing, and mission support solutions together in a single distribution channel for organizations developing commercial and defense systems.
Propulsion and Power Systems
Propulsion is fundamental to every uncrewed aircraft, providing both thrust and onboard electrical power. UAV Propulsion Tech works with several international developers whose systems address a wide range of operational needs.
Suter 2-Stroke Engines
Suter Industries AG, working with CAE GmbH, produces opposed-cylinder two-stroke engines in Switzerland. Current models include air-cooled and water-cooled versions operating on gasoline or heavy fuel such as Jet A1, JP5, or JP8. Output ranges from 17.6 kW (23.9 hp) to 21.5 kW (29.2 hp).
Plettenberg Electric Systems
Plettenberg develops electric propulsion components for uncrewed platforms and supplies DC motors, ESCs, and starter-generators that are tailored for defined mission requirements. These systems are engineered to maintain the intended balance among mass, durability, and electrical performance as specified by each application.
Mejzlik Propellers
Through Mejzlik Propellers in the Czech Republic, UAV Propulsion Tech provides carbon fiber propeller designs produced through engineering analysis, detailed design work, and controlled manufacturing processes. Mejzlik has been active since 1974 and offers both standard and customized propeller products.
Advanced Microturbines (AMT)
AMT in the Netherlands manufactures turbine engines generating thrust from 52 lbf to 352 lbf. These units combine compact construction with efficient fuel use and have supported international customers since 1994.
H3 Dynamics Fuel Cells
H3 Dynamics, based in Austin, Texas, provides hydrogen fuel cell systems ranging from 300 W to 4,000 W, along with hydrogen storage tanks, filling equipment, and regulators for extended-endurance electric aircraft.
Navigation, Autonomy, and Control
Navigation, flight management, and control act as core functions for modern uncrewed aircraft. UAV Propulsion Tech distributes systems designed to support reliable positioning, autonomous operation, and aviation-grade performance.
Autopilot Systems
Embention in Spain designs autonomous control systems for fixed-wing aircraft, multicopters, VTOL configurations, and helicopter platforms. These systems follow DO178C, DO254, and DO160G certification standards and support a wide range of aircraft in service worldwide. Embention also produces solutions for loitering munitions and offers vision-based navigation resources for operation without GPS.
MEMS-INS-GPS Navigation
Aeron Systems in India develops inertial navigation units that incorporate accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers for estimating position, attitude, and velocity. These products support dead-reckoning performance when GPS availability is limited or absent.
Precision Control Surfaces
Volz, located in Germany, produces servo actuators used in uncrewed systems, robotics, medical equipment, and Advanced Air Mobility programs. With more than 40 years of manufacturing experience, the company supplies standard, redundant, and submersible actuator designs. Volz holds EN and AS9100 certification and provides systems meeting aviation-oriented performance and reliability requirements.
Mission Support and Aircraft Protection
UAV Propulsion Tech also distributes subsystems dedicated to safety, measurement, launch operations, and stabilized imaging.
Safety and Recovery Systems
Parachute systems from PASA Safety Solutions AG and ParaZero are available for fixed-wing aircraft, multicopters, and transitional VTOL designs with maximum takeoff weights up to 200 kg. These systems support planned recovery and emergency descent requirements. Air-bag options are also offered to help protect high-value payloads.
Advanced Sensing Technology
The company provides ultrasonic fuel flow sensors from Sentronics and capacitive fuel level sensors from Reventec. Both product lines were developed for demanding environments and support accurate measurement of fuel quantity and consumption for long-duration flight profiles.
Launch and Ground Support
Eli Airborne in Estonia manufactures pneumatic launchers that support aircraft with maximum takeoff weights of up to 40 kg and 80 kg. These assemblies are engineered to deliver repeatable ground-based deployment.
Gyro-stabilized EO/IR Gimbals
Merio in France supplies compact electro-optical and infrared gimbal systems with integrated hardware and software for geolocation, tracking, video transfer, and onboard storage. These units are produced in size categories used on Group 2 and Group 3 uncrewed aircraft.
Experience and Industry Knowledge
UAV Propulsion Tech was established by Founder and CEO Bob Schmidt, whose experience spans more than 35 years in automotive fuel technologies, uncrewed propulsion systems, and aerospace hardware. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological University and an M.S. in Administration from Central Michigan University. This background supports the company’s ability to identify international developers whose systems meet requirements within the United States.
Selection Considerations
UAV Propulsion Tech maintains international partnerships while providing U.S.-based support for organizations integrating advanced uncrewed aircraft technologies. Hardware represented by the company is currently used on multiple high-end programs worldwide.
The catalog covers propulsion, control, sensing, recovery, and ground-support equipment, reducing the need to manage multiple vendors. The team’s technical experience supports system selection and integration, and the company continues to work with global suppliers to ensure access to evolving uncrewed aircraft technologies.
