Skyfly opens electric aircraft propulsion system to other manufacturers

Skyfly Technologies will offer the electric propulsion system developed for its Axe aircraft to other manufacturers as the UK company expands beyond producing its own two-seat vertical-lift aircraft.

The company announced the move on July 22, 2026, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, where it also introduced a hybrid-electric propulsion system aimed at unmanned aircraft that use distributed electric propulsion.

Skyfly said aircraft manufacturers will be able to integrate its electric propulsion technology into a range of configurations rather than develop a complete system themselves.

Skyfly Axe eVTOLThe package centers on an integrated electric motor and inverter co-developed with German engineering company SciMo. Skyfly said the unit could replace a 100-horsepower Rotax engine in some applications.

The planned system also includes a power distribution unit and an 800-volt-class battery architecture developed for light-sport aircraft.

Skyfly CEO Michael Thompson said the company designed the propulsion system around the performance and safety requirements of light aircraft.

“Opening that technology to the wider OEM community means other manufacturers no longer have to build this capability from scratch,” Thompson said.

The integrated motor and inverter are available now for evaluation and integration by aircraft manufacturers. Skyfly said the power distribution unit and battery modules remain under development, with specifications and availability dates to follow.

Skyfly developed the system for the Axe, a two-seat electric aircraft designed to take off and land either vertically or conventionally.

The company displayed what it described as a production-specification Axe at AirVenture’s Vertical Lift Center. Skyfly plans to pursue approval for the aircraft under the FAA’s expanded light-sport aircraft rules.

Skyfly also used AirVenture to unveil a separate hybrid system for unmanned aircraft.

The system combines electric propulsion with a turbine generator that can recharge the aircraft’s batteries in flight or on the ground. Skyfly said the design could give unmanned platforms a range of more than 400 miles while retaining the ability to use multiple electrically driven propellers.

Compatibility with JP-8 fuel could also support military applications, according to the company.

Skyfly said the hybrid system is intended for unmanned aircraft that require greater range and endurance than current battery-only systems can provide.

The company has not released detailed specifications or an availability date for the hybrid system, which it says remains in active development.The post Skyfly opens electric aircraft propulsion system to other manufacturers appeared first on AeroTime.

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