An Oxford University spin-off has developed a series of low-cost turbojet engines designed to power drones, in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence, as Britain seeks to enhance its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities. The technology start-up, Alloyed, has leveraged digital design and 3D printing to produce engines that can serve a range of unmanned aerial vehicles, from small drones to larger aircraft, with significantly reduced production times compared to traditional turbines.
The initiative comes amid growing pressure on the UK and its European partners to increase homegrown production of military hardware in response to heightened security challenges posed by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Defence firms across the continent are racing to supply jet-powered interceptors to assist Ukraine and its allies in countering Russia’s advanced drone technology, including the jet-powered Geran drones that have frequently evaded Ukrainian air defenses due to their speed and maneuverability—factors that surpass those of earlier propeller-driven models.
Michael Holmes, Alloyed’s chief executive, emphasized the strategic importance of providing Ukrainians with effective means to neutralize these threats, notably through the deployment of jet turbines suited for drone interception. He noted that Alloyed maintains contact with the majority of prominent companies involved in drones, missiles, and interceptors.
Alloyed highlights that its engines are not only more affordable—targeting a cost reduction of approximately 30 percent compared to existing market options—but also offer improved power efficiency, potentially up to 30 percent better. By utilising 3D printing and powdered metal technology, the company is able to streamline development, offering new engine variants within months rather than several years.
Currently, Alloyed manufactures two engine models: a smaller unit already in production and a larger engine that progressed from initial concept to flight-ready status in under seven months. Founded in 2017 by materials engineers specializing in lightweight, high-strength metal alloys, the firm employs additive manufacturing techniques to produce complex engine components, substantially reducing both development time and costs.
Looking ahead, Alloyed intends to supply engines primarily for the UK’s defence needs while also adopting a franchise model to support allied nations. This approach involves sharing digital design files and alloy manufacturing instructions with external manufacturers abroad, enabling them to produce engines locally using 3D printing technology.
Beyond military applications, the engines’ design and manufacturing expertise have attracted interest from civilian sectors. Past and current Alloyed customers include Boeing and BMW, as well as firms developing consumer electronics such as lightweight augmented-reality glasses, indicating the company’s broader technological reach.