Aerofex Corporation

What Aerofex Corporation does

Aerofex Corporation (legal entity Aerofex, Inc.) is a privately held aerospace engineering firm that develops Thrust Vectoring Propulsion (TVP) systems for propeller-driven VTOL and fixed-wing aircraft. Founded around 2000 after 25 years of R&D, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California with a test site in Mojave and is incorporated in the US (CAGE Code 38AE4). The company's core innovation is a center-of-thrust pivoting mechanism that generates pure control forces without adverse moments by isolating engines and motors from off-axis loads, while steering the thrust vector without moving the motor itself. The technology is protected by US Patent 12,371,154 and additional patents in force and pending in the US and internationally.

Aerofex's product portfolio centers on a TVP platform with three propulsor variants — Open (single-axis, up to 50" propellers, ±23°), Ducted (single-axis, up to 66" propellers, inherently quiet), and Nested (fully-gimbaled, up to 56" propellers) — that share a common interface enabling field-swappable mission-specific configurations. Supporting offerings include a Thrust Vectoring Evaluation Kit (priced at $4,990) and a 15-hour Engineering & Integration Package ($3,990). The platform targets pusher or puller configurations in any orientation and supports legacy retrofits as well as clean-sheet designs for multicopters, hybrid-VTOL aircraft, tailsitters, and gyrocopters.

Commercially, Aerofex combines a product-led growth motion (direct e-commerce kit sales) with OEM-embedded engagement (partnership inquiries for VTOL and UAV integrators). Customer segments span fixed-wing manufacturers, multicopter/VTOL UAV makers, hybrid-VTOL integrators, universities and research institutions, legacy aircraft operators, and the LSA/Ultralight market. Distribution is handled through the company's own e-commerce storefront with global reach, direct sales outreach from the Los Angeles headquarters, and industry presence at events such as the 2025 AIAA AVIATION Forum. Leadership consists of CEO Mark De Roche; the company operates with a team of 1-10 employees.

Name

Aerofex Corporation

Legal name

Aerofex, Inc.

Website

https://aerofex.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Aerofex Corporation is a private aerospace engineering company that develops patented Thrust Vectoring Propulsion (TVP) technology for propeller-driven VTOL and fixed-wing aircraft, selling evaluation kits and engineering services to UAV manufacturers, OEMs, and academic researchers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace Propulsion Systems

NAICS

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Nozzles, Thrust Vectoring & Exhaust Systems (IMABADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Flight Control Actuation Systems (Fly-by-Wire, Servos, Actuators) (IMABAFAJ), VTOL & Hybrid UAV Platforms (IMABAIAC), Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion (IMABAMAD)

Keywords

• Thrust vectoring propulsion
• VTOL aircraft systems
• UAV propulsion technology
• Aerospace propulsion engineering
• Evaluation kits aerospace

Headquarters

HQ city

Manhattan Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Thrust Vectoring Evaluation Kit Sales: Direct e-commerce sales of the TVP Evaluation Kit at $4,990. The kit includes propeller assembly, hub, drive shaft, carbon fiber struts, and integration supplies. Supports Universities, researchers, and OEMs evaluating the technology.
2. Engineering & Integration Services: 15 hours of engineering support package at $3,990 including technical exchange meetings, design integration, modeling (CAD, CFD, SIM), control law development, and prototype design. Sold as one-time service engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Aerofex designs, develops, and sells Thrust Vectoring Propulsion (TVP) hardware systems for propeller-driven aircraft and UAVs. The proprietary technology pivots through the center of thrust to provide directional thrust control without moving the engine. The company sells propulsor units (Open, Ducted, Nested variants), evaluation kits, and engineering integration services to aircraft OEMs, UAV manufacturers, universities, and research institutions.

Product overview

Aerofex offers a thrust vectoring propulsion technology platform (TVP) for propeller-driven aircraft and UAVs. The portfolio includes three propulsor variants—Open (single-axis), Ducted (single-axis, quiet), and Nested (fully-gimbaled)—which share a common interface for field-swappable configurations. Supporting products include the Thrust Vectoring Evaluation Kit for testing and characterization, and the Engineering & Integration Package providing 15 hours of development support services. The technology enables enhanced control, stability, and maneuverability for fixed-wing, multicopters, hybrid-VTOLs, and tailsitters.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• TVP Open Propulsor Single-axis vectoring propulsor that pivots through the center of thrust; best for multicopters and hybrid-VTOL lift and propulsion applications. Supports pusher or puller configurations and mounts in any orientation. Points +/-23 degrees, up to 4,200 RPM, supports up to 50-inch propeller diameter. For UAV manufacturers and aerospace integrators.
• TVP Ducted Propulsor Ducted single-axis vectoring propulsor designed for VTOL bicopters and multicopters. Inherently quiet, highly efficient, and safe around ground personnel. Points +/-20 degrees, 3,800 RPM max, up to 66-inch propeller diameter, fixed-pitch propellers up to 5 blades. For VTOL UAV manufacturers.
• TVP Nested Propulsor Fully-gimbaled vectoring propulsor designed for tailsitters and gyrocopters. Inherently quiet with improved propeller efficiency. Points +/-15 degrees in any direction, 4,000 RPM max, up to 56-inch propeller diameter, fixed-pitch propellers up to 4 blades. For advanced VTOL and tailsitter aircraft developers.
• Thrust Vectoring Evaluation Kit Flight-worthy evaluation kit enabling single-axis vectoring of an unshrouded aircraft propeller for lab, wind tunnel, or vehicle testing. Generates over 91 kg of thrust and points +/-20 degrees in under 0.20 seconds. Includes 1.0m diameter 3-blade propeller, hub, drive shaft, carbon fiber struts, and integration tools. For universities, researchers, and OEMs evaluating thrust vectoring technology.
• Engineering & Integration Package 15 hours of engineering support services including technical exchange meetings, design integration, modeling (CAD, CFD, SIM), control law development, and prototype design and development. Priced at $3,990. For OEMs and integrators customizing and integrating TVP into their airframes.

Quantifiable outcome

• Vectoring rates capable of vehicle stability and control - not just trim like conventional systems
• +4 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Safran Electronics & Defense: Safran produces aircraft systems including flight controls, navigation, and propulsion subsystems for both commercial and military aviation. Comparable to Aerofex in developing control and propulsion hardware for advanced aircraft, though Safran operates at much broader scope and global scale.
• Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell provides FADEC engine controls, flight management systems, and integrated propulsion solutions for manned aircraft, UAVs, and emerging eVTOL programs. Overlaps with Aerofex in providing control and propulsion technology, though Honeywell operates at full-system level across much larger platforms.
• Liebherr-Aerospace: Liebherr-Aerospace develops flight control actuation, landing gear systems, and air management for commercial and military aircraft as well as eVTOL platforms. Comparable to Aerofex in targeting the actuation-control layer of next-generation aircraft, but with established OEM relationships across Airbus and tier-1 suppliers.
• BAE Systems Electronic Systems: BAE Systems supplies flight control electronics, mission systems, and integrated propulsion-control solutions to defense and commercial aerospace. Overlaps with Aerofex at the flight-control and propulsion interface layer, particularly for military UAV and Group 3 programs.
• Collins Aerospace: Collins Aerospace (RTX) designs flight control systems, actuation, and integrated propulsion subsystems for commercial and military aircraft plus the growing eVTOL/UAM market. Comparable end-market positioning to Aerofex and a likely competitor in OEM flight-control procurement decisions.
• Parker Hannifin Aerospace: Parker Hannifin's Aerospace division supplies flight control actuators, hydraulic and electromechanical systems, and propulsion components across commercial, military, and UAV platforms. Comparable to Aerofex in serving OEMs that need actuation solutions, but at significantly broader scale and incumbency.

Direct peers

• VACCO Industries: VACCO manufactures compact, high-precision propulsion and fluid control components including thrust vector control valves and reaction control systems for spacecraft and aerospace platforms. Direct architectural overlap with Aerofex in providing specialized propulsion control hardware for vehicles requiring fine thrust direction management.
• Moog Inc. Moog designs and manufactures high-performance flight control actuation systems, thrust vector actuators, and servo components for aerospace and defense platforms. Direct overlap with Aerofex in providing electromechanical actuation solutions that translate control inputs into precision mechanical motion on aircraft.

Others

• Joby Aviation: Joby is a leading eVTOL aircraft developer pursuing FAA type certification for air taxi service. A potential downstream customer/partner for Aerofex rather than a direct competitor, as Joby's S4 tiltrotor architecture could benefit from engine-isolated thrust vectoring solutions for redundancy and VTOL transition control.
• Pratt & Whitney: Pratt & Whitney (RTX) designs and manufactures aircraft engines and propulsion systems, including work on hybrid-electric and geared turbofan architectures for next-generation aircraft. Related to Aerofex through the propulsion and engine-isolation themes, though P&W focuses on the engine itself rather than downstream thrust vectoring hardware.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/aerofex
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aerofex

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aerofex Corporation