Beehive Industries Wins $29.7M U.S. Air Force Contract for Frenzy Engine Development

This article is based on an official press release from Beehive Industries.

Beehive Industries, a Colorado-based manufacturers specializing in additively manufactured propulsion systems, has secured a $29.7 million contract from the U.S. Air-Forces. According to an official press release from the company, the funding will drive the final stages of development for its Frenzy™ engine family, specifically targeting uncrewed aerial defense applications and swarm-class drones.

The contract focuses on the vehicle integration, flight-testing, and qualification of the 200-pound-force (lbf) Frenzy 8 engine. Beehive Industries noted that this milestone is a critical step toward achieving operational readiness and scalable production for its flagship propulsion system.

In addition to the Frenzy 8, the award provides capital to advance the smaller 100 lbf Frenzy 6 engine. The company stated that this portion of the funding will initiate the manufacturing of a First Engine to Test (FETT) asset, with future options for further testing and flight demonstration.

Advancing the Family of Affordable Mass Munitions

The $29.7 million award is managed through the SOSSEC consortium and directly supports the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). Specifically, the contract bolsters the Small Expendable Turbine (SET) program, which feeds into the broader Family of Affordable Mass Munitions (FAMM) prototyping effort.

According to the Beehive Industries press release, FAMM is a Pentagon-wide initiative focused on fiscal year 2026. The program aims to transition the military’s procurement strategy from high-cost, low-quantity weapons to a large-scale, cost-effective arsenal. To meet these demands, Beehive utilizes 3D printing technology to rapidly produce low-cost jet engines designed for disposable, mass-produced munitions.

Transitioning to High-Rate Production

Over the past year, Beehive Industries has validated the Frenzy 8 engine through both ground and high-altitude testing. The company recently launched a “Pathfinder” program to confirm its production scalability, which it claims has proven its readiness for mass engine manufacturing starting this year.

“Beehive is honored to partner with the U.S. Air Force in redefining the speed of defense. By harnessing additive manufacturing to collapse complex supply chains into scalable, 3D-printed propulsion, we are providing the ‘affordable mass’ essential to modern deterrence,” said Gordie Follin, Chief Product Officer at Beehive Industries. “This collaboration ensures our warfighters will have the high-volume, mission-ready capabilities they need to maintain a competitive edge in any theater.”

3D Printing for Swarm-Class Drones

The defense sector is increasingly turning to additive manufacturing to solve supply chain bottlenecks and reduce the cost of expendable systems. Beehive Industries highlighted in its release that its manufacturing approach collapses complex supply chains, allowing for rapid prototyping and scalable production.

The Frenzy engine family is specifically tailored for swarm-class drones and standoff systems, where affordability and volume are paramount. By leveraging 3D printing, the company aims to deliver high-performance propulsion systems at a fraction of the traditional cost and timeline.

AirPro News analysis

The U.S. Department of Defense’s push toward “affordable mass” reflects a strategic shift in modern warfare, prioritizing volume and expendability over exquisite, expensive platforms. The FAMM initiative and the SET engine program are clear indicators that the Pentagon is actively seeking to build up its stockpile of low-cost munitions and uncrewed systems. Beehive Industries’ $29.7 million contract underscores the military’s reliance on commercial innovation and additive manufacturing to achieve these production goals rapidly. If the Frenzy 8 and Frenzy 6 engines meet their qualification milestones, we anticipate they could become foundational components in the Air Force’s future swarm drone architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of the Beehive Industries contract?

According to the company’s press release, the U.S. Air Force awarded Beehive Industries a $29.7 million contract.

What engines are being developed under this contract?

The contract funds the vehicle integration, flight testing, and qualification of the 200 lbf Frenzy 8 engine, as well as the initial manufacturing and testing of the 100 lbf Frenzy 6 engine.

What is the FAMM initiative?

The Family of Affordable Mass Munitions (FAMM) is a Pentagon-wide prototyping effort focused on shifting the military’s arsenal from high-cost, low-quantity weapons to large-scale, cost-effective systems.

Sources: Beehive Industries