General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems and cutting-edge aerospace technologies, today announced the acquisition of key assets, including a portfolio of patents and other intellectual property, from Achates Power, Inc., a San Diego-based innovator in advanced engine technology.
The acquisition strengthens GA-ASI’s capabilities in high-performance propulsion systems and underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to advancing propulsion technologies for its line of unmanned aircraft systems that enhance the performance and sustainability of its aerospace systems.
“We are excited to incorporate Achates Power’s opposed-piston engine technology into GA-ASI’s portfolio,” said David Alexander, President of GA-ASI (photo).
“Their advancements in green technology emission reduction, fuel efficiency and power density align perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative solutions for airborne platforms,” he explained.
Achates Power has long been recognized for its groundbreaking work in developing best-in-class low-emission, fuel-efficient, and high-power-density engines.
“Achates Power’s engine designs deliver exceptional value for applications requiring high efficiency and power density, particularly in environments with strict emissions regulations,” said Dave Crompton, CEO of Achates Power.
“We are proud that our technology will continue to thrive under GA-ASI, a company renowned for its technical excellence and diverse expertise,” he added.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world’s foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 8 million flight hours, the Predator® line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper®, MQ-1C Gray Eagle®, MQ-20 Avenger®, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian®/SeaGuardian®. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.
For 20 years, Achates Power has been researching and enabling technology for best-in-class combustion engines, providing economic value to its customers, and accelerating positive impact on the environment through obtainable technologies. Achates Power works with the leading engine manufacturers to license designs, provide development and testing tools, build software, and obtain engine patents for a range of applications that reduce CO2 and criteria emissions and provide robust compliance in a cost-effective manner.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, Achates Power is led by some of the most experienced technical and commercial leaders in the commercial powertrain industry and financially backed by investors and industry partners including Climate Investment, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, California Air Resources Board, and ARPA-E.
