maxon presents UAV propulsion alongside electric drives for aerospace at FIA 2026

maxon UK & Ireland will present its latest UAV propulsion systems at the Farnborough International Airshow, 20-24 July, Hall 1, Stand 1053. The propulsion system, primarily for lightweight drones, optimises thrust while achieving a lightweight design. maxon will also display electric drive systems for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, as well as space applications and urban air mobility.

maxon’s UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) propulsion system, based on a flat, brushless DC (BLDC) electric motor, electronic speed controller, and matched propeller, is designed to increase torque density in a low weight, compact footprint. 

Motor diameters spanning 22m to 87mm, alongside a selection of propeller sizes, provide a flexible scale of speed, thrust, and efficiency ratings. In continuous operation, the 87mm motor-driven propulsion system can generate up to 6,481g thrust at an efficiency of 5.8 g/W, or to prolong operation, the system can increase efficiency to 7.4 g/W at a thrust of 5,155g with an extended propeller. 

A key advantage for UAV developers is maxon’s engineering and customisation service. At FIA, maxon’s engineers will explain how engineering support helps optimise performance characteristics specific to the UAV and its operational requirements, as well as achieving more efficient project delivery and a faster time to market. Engineering support spans the delivery of a drive system and its UAV integration, from customised windings to optimise kV rating, through to simulation of the propulsion system to measure efficiency ahead of test flights.

maxon provided the drive system for the NASA Ingenuity drone swash plate. – Picture credit: NASA

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maxon’s customisation and engineering service is also crucial to the support of aviation projects across fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. At FIA, visitors from aerospace tier one and sub-system suppliers spanning applications ranging from air conditioning to landing gear will be able to talk directly to maxon’s engineers about drive system design. Notable maxon projects include pilot controls with drive system-generated force feedback integration into the sidestick.

In addition to achieving high torque density and low weight vital across all aviation projects, maxon’s drive systems are tested in-house to the DO-160 standard and certified in accordance with EN 9100, confirming reliability, durability, and safety for aerospace. maxon’s engineers at the airshow will explain what the testing procedures involve and how this supports aviation manufacturers.

While the DO-160 standard puts electric drive systems through a rigorous test, maxon also designs systems for use outside the atmosphere. maxon’s engineers will explain the testing required on drive systems for the space environment, including vacuum, high radiation, and extremes of shock and high temperature. maxon’s flagship projects for space include partnership with NASA for every Mars mission to date, including powering the swashplates on the Ingenuity Mars drone. Additional space partnerships including the European Space Agency, the International Space Station, plus a variety of satellite projects. 

“An advantage of the Farnborough International Airshow is that it puts engineers into face-to-face contact,” says Andrew Gibson, maxon UK’s Head of Aerospace and Space applications. “Not only can visiting engineers from aerospace suppliers see the quality of products in person, but the exhibition enables us to talk in detail about the specific engineering challenges they face and discuss the potential engineering solutions, an exchange that can deliver real outcomes to improve their own aerospace designs.”

About maxon UK

maxon DC micromotors move everything that has to be rotated with high precision and reliability. They are used to drive applications as demanding as NASA’s Mars rovers, as well as racing cars, through to humanoid robots, cardiac pumps, and high-precision industrial applications. maxon has headquarters in Switzerland and distributes its motors worldwide. maxon UK provides engineering expertise, service, and support to UK OEMs. Supplying maxon’s high-precision DC motors, gearheads, sensors & encoders, as well as servo amplifiers and controllers, maxon UK’s engineers can specify customised requirements and design complete micromotion systems.

For more information, visit www.maxongroup.co.uk.