Beehive Industries announced the successful completion of high-altitude testing for its 3D printed Frenzy engine at a government test facility in Ohio. The Denver-based manufacturer of propulsion systems for uncrewed aerial defense applications said the testing confirms the engine’s readiness for flight testing scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
The altitude test campaign validated the engine’s performance across its full flight envelope, including successful ignition and operation, rapid acceleration capabilities, and durability metrics that met or exceeded Air Force requirements. According to the company, turbine temperatures and fuel consumption performed better than predicted, with hardware showing “like new” condition after mission-life equivalent runtime.
“The milestone confirms Frenzy’s readiness for flight integration,” said David Kimball, Chief Technology Officer at Beehive Industries. “In less than a year, we’ve gone from concept to proven high-altitude performance — and we’re doing it ahead of schedule because of the talented and determined team at Beehive.”
The testing follows Beehive’s September announcement of successful ground testing on six engines completed in four months. The company shipped two prototype engines to the Ohio facility in October for the high-altitude test series. Development is supported by a $12.46 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office and University of Dayton Research Institute awarded in October 2024.
Beehive plans to integrate the Frenzy engine with its first flight vehicle in early 2026 before entering low-rate initial production. The company operates facilities in Denver, Cincinnati, and Knoxville, and employs more than 300 people. The Frenzy engine family spans 100 to 300 lbf thrust ratings designed for next-generation uncrewed aerial systems.
Source: beehive-industries.com