Engines Technology

Airbus selects Avio Aero’s engine ‘Catalyst’ to power the Eurodrone

The engine has been conceived as 100% ITAR-free (International Traffic in Arms Regulation).
The selection of the engine was based on a competitive tender process as well as an extensive technical analysis phase.

The Catalyst was identified as the best solution based on superior performance, lower developmental risk, better in-service economics, and growth potential.

Airbus has selected Avio Aero to power the Eurodrone unmanned aerial system with its engine and propeller solution, dubbed Catalyst. The Catalyst is an engine proven in flight, entirely developed and manufactured in Europe. This engine has been conceived as 100% ITAR-free (International Traffic in Arms Regulation), thus enabling independence on export chances and avoiding additional requirements before the export clearance.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space said, “This selection is a decisive step forward and will ensure that the Eurodrone programme can proceed on time, on cost and in line with the specifications laid out by our customers. The Catalyst was identified as the best solution based on superior performance, lower developmental risk, better in-service economics, and growth potential. In line with customer requirements, Catalyst will offer a truly European solution and will thus contribute to the overall role of Eurodrone as an enabler of strategic autonomy.

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The selection was based on a competitive tender process as well as an extensive technical analysis phase.  Key aspects in the selection of Eurodrone suppliers were competitiveness, performance, the ability to meet the demanding delivery schedule and the capacity to meet the in-service demand.