# Army Flight-Tests Hybrid Drone Propulsion

The U.S. Army flight-demonstrated a Group 3 VICTOR unmanned aircraft powered by a 3D-printed, heavy-fuel rotary-engine series-hybrid system. The test advances Army research into propulsion for longer-endurance and vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft. The signal identifies potential follow-on work in propulsion maturation, additive manufacturing, integration, and testing through Army research and industry-development efforts, including PULSAR; it does not identify a solicitation, contract value, or award.

- Companies with relevant propulsion, additive-manufacturing, aircraft-integration, or test capabilities can assess how their offerings align with the research areas identified, including PULSAR.
- Procurement teams and prospective contractors should distinguish this technology demonstration from a competed opportunity: no solicitation or specific award is reported.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 11, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Army (Army)
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM)
- U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL)

### Vendors
- Griffon Aerospace ()

### Key Quotes
> The program addresses critical power and propulsion challenges by advancing fundamental science that could enable drones to fly longer and faster, operate at higher altitudes, carry heavier payloads and perform in extreme environments while reducing logistics burdens.
> — Dr. Chol-Bum “Mike” Kweon, DEVCOM ARL Program Manager

### Sources
- [Army Flight-Tests 3D-Printed Hybrid Drone Propulsion - Mobility Engineering Technology](https://www.mobilityengineeringtech.com/component/content/article/56240-army-flight-tests-3d-printed-hybrid-drone-propulsion) - Mobility Engineering Technology