Northwest UAV (NWUAV)
Northwest UAV is an Oregon-based aerospace manufacturer of American-made multi-fuel internal combustion engines and hydrogen PEM fuel cells for unmanned aerial vehicles, serving primarily U.S. and allied defense customers including NAVAIR, the U.K. RAF, and Elbit Systems.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersMcminnville, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Northwest UAV (NWUAV) does
Northwest UAV (NWUAV), operating as Northwest ULD Inc, is an American aerospace manufacturer founded in 2005 and headquartered in McMinnville, Oregon. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and tests multi-fuel internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its product portfolio spans three core engines — the NW-44 (43.6cc, 3.5 hp, Group II 18-34 kg UAVs), NW-88 (88cc, 7.3 hp, 34-68 kg UAVs), and NW-230 (230cc, 15-18 hp, Group III 90-160 kg UAVs) — all featuring electronic fuel injection, multi-fuel capability on gasoline and heavy fuels (JP-5, JP-8, Jet-A), and a patented Active Cylinder Head Temperature (ACHT) control system. The company also produces the NWFC-1500 PEM hydrogen fuel cell developed in cooperation with the U.S. Government, and distributes Silvus StreamCaster MANET radios, Pegasus Servo Actuators, and Veronte autopilots as a 'One-Stop UAV Shop.'
NWUAV operates from an AS9100D/ISO 9001:2015-certified facility with full vertical integration including CNC machining, SLS 3D printing, electrical/wiring harness production, and an FAA/COA-certified FAST UAS Test Range within the Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex. Its primary customer base is defense — including NAVAIR, the U.S. Marine Corps, U.K. Royal Air Force, Elbit Systems (Skylark 3 Hybrid), and Skyways — alongside growing commercial UAV exposure. Revenue is generated through hardware sales of engines and fuel cells, resale of distributed partner products, and professional services covering engineering consulting, AS9100D-certified manufacturing, and engine/flight testing under quote-based, multi-year contracts. The company is privately held and bootstrapped under owner/president Chris Harris, with strategic positioning around American-made, ITAR-compliant, NDAA-Buy America-compliant supply chain sovereignty and Single Fuel Mandate compliance for NATO-aligned operators.
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Northwest UAV (NWUAV)
- Legal name
- Northwest ULD Inc
- Website
- https://nwuav.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Northwest UAV is an Oregon-based aerospace manufacturer of American-made multi-fuel internal combustion engines and hydrogen PEM fuel cells for unmanned aerial vehicles, serving primarily U.S. and allied defense customers including NAVAIR, the U.K. RAF, and Elbit Systems.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) industry classification
Industry- Product category
- UAV Propulsion Systems
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)
- SIC
- Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft & Parts (3720)
- akta.pro primary industry
- UAS Power Systems & Propulsion (Motors, ESCs, Batteries, Fuel Cells) (IMABAIAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion (IMABAMAD), VTOL & Hybrid UAV Platforms (IMABAIAC), Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)
Keywords
Where Northwest UAV (NWUAV) is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mcminnville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- UAV Engine Sales: Sale of proprietary multi-fuel engines including NW-44, NW-88, and NW-230 engines. Engines are sold as complete turn-key propulsion systems to UAV manufacturers and operators. Revenue is one-time per unit with potential for repeat orders across multiple aircraft platforms.
- UAV Fuel Cell Systems: Sale of NWFC-1500 PEM fuel cells for hydrogen-powered UAV applications. Clean energy solution for silent operations targeting defense and security applications.
- Distributed Products: Resale of complementary UAV components including Pegasus Servo Actuators, Silvus Technologies StreamCaster MANET radios, and Veronte autopilots. NWUAV serves as official U.S. distributor.
- Professional Services (Engineering, Manufacturing, Testing): UAV engineering consulting, manufacturing services (AS9100D certified), and engine testing including altitude dyno testing, durability testing, and flight testing at FAST UAS Range.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quote-based pricing for UAV propulsion systems |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) designs, develops, and manufactures aviation-compliant, American-made multi-fuel internal combustion engines (NW-44, NW-88, NW-230) and a hydrogen PEM fuel cell (NWFC-1500) for unmanned aerial vehicles. The company also provides AS9100D-certified engineering, manufacturing, and engine testing services, and distributes complementary UAV components (Silvus MANET radios, Pegasus Servo Actuators, Veronte autopilots) as a one-stop UAV propulsion shop.
Product overview
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) is America's largest UAV propulsion system manufacturer, offering a portfolio of aviation-compliant, American-made multi-fuel engines and integrated solutions. The product portfolio centers on three core internal combustion engines: the NW-230 (230cc, 15-18 hp, for Group III 90-160 kg UAVs), NW-88 (88cc, 7.3 hp, for medium-weight 34-68 kg UAVs), and NW-44 (43.6cc, 3.5 hp, for Group II 18-34 kg UAVs) — all featuring electronic fuel injection, multi-fuel capability (gasoline and heavy fuels), and extended TBO. The company extends its portfolio through the NWFC-1500 hydrogen PEM fuel cell for silent/zero-emission operations. Complementing propulsion, NWUAV distributes complementary unmanned systems products including Silvus StreamCaster MANET radios, Pegasus Servo Actuators, and Veronte Autopilots as a 'One-Stop UAV Shop.' Beyond products, NWUAV provides full-stack services including UAV engineering, manufacturing (AS9100D/ISO9001 certified), and testing including their FAA/COA FAST UAS test range — enabling customers to proceed from concept to flight validation under one roof.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- NW-230 EFI Multi-Fuel Engine A 230cc twin-cylinder electronically fuel-injected (EFI) multi-fuel internal combustion engine designed for Group III UAS platforms in the 90-160 kg maximum takeoff weight class. Capable of operating on gasoline and heavy-fuel (JP-5/JP-8/Jet-A), it delivers 15-18 hp with approximately 15 ft/lbs peak torque at maximum 7200 RPM, emphasizing high TBO, minimal maintenance cycles, high endurance with minimal fuel burn, and best power-to-weight ratio.
- NW-88 EFI Multi-Fuel Engine An 88cc twin-cylinder electronically fuel-injected (EFI) multi-fuel engine purpose-built for unmanned aircraft with larger payload requirements, low altitude, and long endurance operations. Delivers 7.3 hp with the best power-to-weight ratio for the 34-68 kg UAV weight class. Combat-proven system approved for EAR99 export.
- NW-44 EFI Multi-Fuel Engine A 43.6cc single-cylinder electronically fuel-injected (EFI) multi-fuel engine designed for Group II UAVs (18-34 kg), delivering 3.5 hp with a lightweight design under 10 lbs, multi-fuel capability (gasoline or heavy fuel JP-5, JP-8, Jet-A), and 400-500+ hour TBO. Approved for export EAR99 and one of the most configurable small UAV engines on the market.
- NWFC-1500 PEM Fuel Cell A hydrogen-powered PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell designed in cooperation with the U.S. Government specifically for unmanned systems. Provides reliable, clean energy in a lightweight, compact envelope for silent, zero-emission, long-endurance flight operations.
- Silvus StreamCaster MANET Radios Advanced wireless communications systems featuring MN-MIMO waveform technology that creates self-healing, self-forming, and adaptive mesh networks capable of linking hundreds of nodes. Delivers high-fidelity video, voice and data communications with class-leading output power, range, and mobility, including AES256 and FIPS 140-3 encryption.
- Pegasus Servo Actuators Servo actuators used in UAV applications, researched, tested, and proven to improve unmanned systems performance. NWUAV serves as the official distributor for Pegasus Servo Actuators UAV components.
- Veronte Autopilots Veronte UAV autopilots from Embention, researched, tested, and proven to improve unmanned systems integration and flight control capabilities. NWUAV is the official distributor.
- UAV Engineering Services Comprehensive engineering services applying an aviation-compliant lifecycle approach to engine design and development, including experienced mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and heavy-fuel propulsion engineers plus CONUS and OCONUS field service maintainers.
- UAV Manufacturing Services AS9100D | ISO9001 certified manufacturing capabilities including Build-To-Print or COTS production, full-service CNC/CMS machine shop, electrical and wiring shop, A&P mechanics, and ERP product lifecycle management.
- UAV Testing Services Advanced engine testing, analysis, and controlled testing environment capabilities including engine break-in, durability and endurance testing, FAR33 testing, mapping, acoustical and computational fluid dynamics testing stations, and flight testing at the FAST UAS Range.
- FAST UAS Test Range FAA/COA certified UAS test range as part of the Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex, enabling same-day transition from test cell to flight testing for engine validation and certification.
Quantifiable outcome
- NW-230 engine achieves 36,000-foot density altitude comparable to commercial 737 flight altitudes
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Northwest UAV (NWUAV)
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and supporting.
- Naval Research LaboratorystrategicIndustry collaboration on H-SUP portable hydrogen fuel cell generator for Marine Corps expeditionary warfare. NWUAV contributed expertise from UAV propulsion applications including H2 Stalker program at Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division.
- Silvus TechnologiescoreNWUAV partnered with Silvus Technologies to offer StreamCaster MANET radios as part of comprehensive UAV solutions. Silvus provides MN-MIMO waveform technology for self-healing, self-forming mesh networks with AES256 and FIPS 140-3 encryption. NWUAV serves as distributor for the full family of StreamCaster MANET radios in the unmanned systems market.
- Elbit SystemscoreLong-term collaborative partnership for Skylark 3 Hybrid UAS program. NWUAV's NW-44 multi-fuel engine integrated into Elbit's hybrid propulsion system, tripling aircraft endurance to 18 hours. Based on Skylark family ordered by 27 countries.
- Pegasus Servo ActuatorssupportingNWUAV is official distributor for Pegasus Servo Actuators, offering servo actuators as part of comprehensive UAV component offerings.
- Veronte (Embention)supportingNWUAV is official distributor for Veronte autopilots, offering complete UAV integration solutions including flight control systems.
- Noble Gas SystemssupportingIndustry collaboration partner on H-SUP hydrogen fuel cell project for U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
- NW Rapid Manufacturingsupporting3D printing service partner providing additive manufacturing capabilities for prototype and production parts.
- Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex (FAST UAS Range)supportingNWUAV operates FAST UAS Test Range as part of the Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex. FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA) test range for engine testing and flight validation.
- Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)supportingNWUAV is member and active participant in AUVSI and AUVSI Cascade Chapter, the leading organization for unmanned systems industry.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sky Power GmbH: German manufacturer of two-stroke and heavy-fuel engines for unmanned aerial systems, with a focus on multi-fuel capability. Closely comparable to NWUAV in product positioning, target customers (defense primes), and engine displacement range.
- Hirth Engines: German manufacturer of two-stroke and heavy-fuel engines specifically designed for small and medium unmanned aerial vehicles. Directly competes with NWUAV in the Group I/II UAV propulsion segment, particularly for defense and commercial drone applications.
- Rotron Power: UK-based supplier of small gas and heavy-fuel engines for UAVs, with a long heritage in tactical drone propulsion. Directly comparable to NWUAV on engine type, fuel flexibility, and Group I/II UAS customer base.
- UAV Engines Ltd: UK-based developer and manufacturer of small gas engines and Wankel engines for unmanned aerial systems. Directly competes with NWUAV's NW-44 and NW-88 class multi-fuel engines in the tactical UAS market.
Broad incumbents
- Williams International: U.S. manufacturer of small turbofan and turboshaft engines used in cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and tactical UAS. Comparable to NWUAV as a niche U.S. propulsion supplier to defense primes, though addressing larger Group III/IV UAS via turbofan rather than piston.
- Lycoming Engines: Established U.S. manufacturer of piston aircraft engines for general aviation and selected UAV/military applications. Comparable to NWUAV as a U.S.-based piston engine maker serving aviation customers, though at a much larger scale and with broader engine portfolio.
- Pratt & Whitney (RTX): Global aerospace propulsion incumbent serving military and commercial aviation, including UAS integration programs. Comparable as a defense propulsion supplier competing for UAV platform awards, though at vastly larger scale and across much broader engine classes.
- BRP-Rotax: Austrian manufacturer of piston engines used in light aircraft, ultralights, and a growing number of UAV applications. Comparable to NWUAV in small-displacement piston engine technology, though serving broader recreational and light aviation markets alongside UAS.
Emerging players
- Intelligent Energy: UK-based developer of hydrogen PEM fuel cell systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. Closely comparable to NWUAV's NWFC-1500 fuel cell program and represents a direct competitor in the emerging hydrogen UAV propulsion category.
- Ballard Power Systems: Canadian developer of PEM fuel cell technology with applications across mobility, backup power, and emerging UAV/drone propulsion markets. Comparable to NWUAV's NWFC-1500 fuel cell on the underlying hydrogen PEM technology stack, though at a much broader platform scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) social profiles
Digital presenceNorthwest UAV (NWUAV) compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Northwest UAV (NWUAV)
What does Northwest UAV (NWUAV) do?
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) designs, develops, and manufactures aviation-compliant, American-made multi-fuel internal combustion engines (NW-44, NW-88, NW-230) and a hydrogen PEM fuel cell (NWFC-1500) for unmanned aerial vehicles. The company also provides AS9100D-certified engineering, manufacturing, and engine testing services, and distributes complementary UAV components (Silvus MANET radios, Pegasus Servo Actuators, Veronte autopilots) as a one-stop UAV propulsion shop.
Is Northwest UAV (NWUAV) a public or private company?
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Northwest UAV (NWUAV) founded?
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) was founded in 2005. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Northwest UAV (NWUAV) based?
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) is headquartered in Mcminnville, United States, in the North America region.
How does Northwest UAV (NWUAV) make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. UAV Engine Sales are the primary driver. The others are UAV Fuel Cell Systems, distributed Products and professional Services (Engineering, Manufacturing, Testing).
Who are Northwest UAV (NWUAV)'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sky Power GmbH, Hirth Engines, Rotron Power and UAV Engines Ltd. Broad incumbents are Williams International, Lycoming Engines, Pratt & Whitney (RTX) and BRP-Rotax. Emerging players are Intelligent Energy and Ballard Power Systems.
Does Northwest UAV (NWUAV) have an API?
No public API is recorded for Northwest UAV (NWUAV).
What industry is Northwest UAV (NWUAV) in?
Northwest UAV (NWUAV)'s product category is UAV Propulsion Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAK, UAS Power Systems & Propulsion (Motors, ESCs, Batteries, Fuel Cells), with a secondary code of IMABAMAD, Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion. Its NAICS code is 336415 and its SIC code is 3724.