DeltaHawk Engines Inc. in collaboration with magniX announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a Phase 1 SBIR focused on Multi-Application Hybrid-Electric Powerplant to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on January 15, 2025, DeltaHawk Engines Inc. in collaboration with magniX will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
“DeltaHawk’s FAA-certified heavy fuel engine has achieved enormous inroads into the traditional aviation marketplace and is ideally suited to bring the same benefits to hybrid-electric aviation as well. We are pleased to have been chosen to partner with AFWERX on this exciting project and help enhance our country’s defense capabilities,” said Christopher Ruud, CEO.
About maginX
Headquartered in Everett, Washington State, U.S., magniX develops powertrains and batteries for the electrification of transportation. magniX’s full electric powertrain offers customers an integrated system for electrifying aircraft. magniX batteries provide a safe, practical solution for battery electric and hybrid electric aircraft, and are also ideally suited to power helicopters, eVTOLs, and marine craft. For further information, please visit magnix.aero.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
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