Argive, an Oxford-based business owned by Alloyed Ltd, has successfully developed and tested two new 3D-printed microturbines, marking a breakthrough in UK advanced manufacturing and propulsion technology.
Using additive manufacturing techniques, Argive can take a concept to a tested design in just 10 weeks — dramatically reducing global turbine wait times that can stretch up to seven years.
This new capability strengthens UK sovereignty in the production of critical technologies, offering rapid, scalable solutions for both defence and civilian applications.
The A300 microturbine, recently flight-tested, will power MGI Engineering’s unmanned SkyShark one-way effector drone. Meanwhile, the larger A1100 turbine has passed successful ground tests and will be used to power heavier platforms.
Built from Alloyed’s nickel superalloy ABD-900AM®, the A1100 combines strength and lightness, while its streamlined design reduces part count and delivers a more efficient, lower-cost power system.
Microturbines, used in drones, cruise missiles, and portable generators, have seen soaring demand since the war in Ukraine. Argive’s ability to design, test, and scale production of fully sovereign turbines in weeks represents a major shift in global supply chains.
The company now has the capacity to manufacture hundreds to thousands of turbines per month in the UK, supported by a near-shore supply chain.
Rob Joles, Commercial Director at Argive, said:
“We’ve shown that UK manufacturers can deliver world-class turbine performance at reduced cost and speed.
“This capability is critical for national security and for enabling rapid, mission-specific drone deployment.”
Mike Gascoyne, CEO of MGI Engineering, added:
“Integrating Argive’s A300 turbine into SkyShark proves that compact, lightweight, fuel-efficient drones can be developed faster and at greater scale than ever before.”
