What DUC Propellers Propellers does

DUC Hélices (DUC Propellers) is a French aeronautical manufacturer founded in 1997 that designs, produces, qualifies, certifies, and maintains carbon composite propellers, helicopter rotors, and UAV/VTOL rotors for the light aviation industry. Its product portfolio spans nine core propeller series (SWIRL, FLASH, TIGER, COBRA, STOL, and WINDSPOON families) covering aircraft from 40cv ultralights to 315hp four-seat platforms, alongside helicopter main and tail rotors for Robinson R22 and other light helicopters, and specialized rotors for electric VTOL applications. The company builds on a proprietary Carbone Forgé® (Forged Carbon) manufacturing process developed by founder Vincent DUQUEINE, which is the subject of a manufacturing patent and is credited with substantially increasing the mechanical strength of composite components. DUC also employs advanced aerodynamic simulation for blade profile design and offers proprietary variable-pitch product lines that deliver constant-speed-like performance from fixed-pitch designs.

The company holds the full EASA regulatory trifecta — Part 21J Design Organization Approval (2024), Part 21-G Production Organization Approval (2016), and Part CAO Maintenance Organization Approval (2022) — plus an EASA Type Certificate for the FLASH-R propeller and FAA Supplemental Type Certificates, with ISO 9001:2015 certification since 2010 and EN 9100:2018 in progress. It serves 35+ aircraft manufacturers as OEM first-fit suppliers, including Daher, Pipistrel, Tecnam, Evektor, JMB Aircraft, Breezer, and Van's Aircraft, alongside co-development partnerships with Airbus, Safran, Embraer, Eve Air Mobility, NASA, Thales, and Onera.

DUC generates revenue primarily through hardware sales of propellers, rotors, and accessories (spinners, spacers, governors, blade covers), complemented by maintenance and TBO inspection services. Distribution combines direct enterprise sales to airframe manufacturers with a global network of dozens of authorized dealers, plus a wholly-owned US subsidiary (DUC Propellers USA) covering the Americas. The company exports more than 80% of its production and operates from its headquarters at Beaujolais Aerodrome (LFHV) in Frontenas, France.

Name

DUC Propellers Propellers

Legal name

DUC HELICES

Website

https://duc-helices.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DUC Hélices is a French aeronautical manufacturer founded in 1997 that designs, produces, and certifies carbon composite propellers and rotors for light aviation OEMs, helicopter operators, and emerging UAV/VTOL platforms, serving 35+ aircraft manufacturers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Frontenas

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Propeller and Rotor Sales: Core revenue from design, manufacture, and sale of carbon composite propellers and rotors. Product range spans from 40cv (ULM) to 315cv (four-seat aircraft), covering fixed-pitch, ground-adjustable, and in-flight variable-pitch propellers. Includes specialized lines for helicopters (main rotor, anti-torque tail rotor) and UAV/VTOL applications.
2. Accessories and Spare Parts: Ancillary revenue from spinners (cones) ranging from Ø210mm to Ø345mm, mounting spacers and lugs for various engine interfaces (ROTAX 912H, JABIRU, SAE1, SAE2), governors, and blade protection covers.
3. Maintenance and Repair Services: Comprehensive maintenance services for propellers and rotors including TBO (Time Between Overhaul) inspections. Standard TBO of 5 years with potential doubling under intensive use conditions (e.g., flight schools). After inspection, propellers can be re-certified for unlimited potential.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

DUC Hélices designs, analyzes, manufactures, qualifies, certifies, industrializes, and maintains carbon composite propellers, rotors, and accessories for light aviation, helicopters, and UAV/VTOL platforms. The product range covers fixed-pitch, ground-adjustable, and in-flight variable-pitch propellers for aircraft from 40cv ULM to 315hp four-seat aircraft, as well as helicopter main and tail rotors and specialized rotors for electric VTOL/drone applications. Manufacturing relies on the proprietary Carbone Forgé® forged carbon composite process developed by founder Vincent DUQUEINE.

Product overview

DUC Hélices is a French aeronautical manufacturer specializing in carbon composite propellers and rotors. The product portfolio centers on eight main propeller series (SWIRL-3, FLASH, TIGER, COBRA, FLASH-2, FLASH-3, SWIRL-2, WINDSPOON, and STOL) serving aircraft from 40cv to 315cv, complemented by helicopter main and tail rotors for OEM and aftermarket applications, UAV/VTOL rotors with advanced qualification testing, and a full range of accessories including carbon spinners (210-345mm), mounting spacers (ROTAX 912H, JABIRU, SAE1/SAE2), blade protection covers, cleaning products, and pitch adjustment tools. The company holds EASA Part 21J Design Organization Approval and EASA Part 21-G Production Organization Approval, with products certified to EASA, FAA, and CAAC standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Forged Carbon®: Proprietary carbon composite manufacturing process developed by Vincent Duqueine, which increases mechanical strength of composite parts and is patented.

Products and services

• SWIRL-3 Series Tractor Propellers Carbon composite tractor propellers with adjustable or variable pitch rated for 80-215cv aircraft. Sold to aircraft manufacturers and operators seeking high-performance propeller solutions for light aviation.
• FLASH Series Tractor Propellers Carbon composite tractor propellers including the EASA Type Certificate P.038 certified FLASH-R Inconel 3-blade model. Sold to OEM aircraft manufacturers and aftermarket operators.
• TIGER Series Multi-Blade Propellers Multi-blade tractor propellers with variable pitch for higher-power aircraft applications (100-215cv). Sold to manufacturers building higher-performance certified and experimental aircraft.
• COBRA Series Direct Drive Propellers Carbon composite propellers for direct drive engines rated 150-315cv, including COBRABLACK-R variable pitch variant. Sold to higher-power four-seat aircraft manufacturers and operators.
• FLASH-2 Series Pusher Propellers Carbon composite pusher propellers (80-215cv) for aircraft with rear-mounted engines. Sold to manufacturers of pusher-configuration light aircraft and experimental designs.
• FLASH-3 Series 3-Blade Tractor Propellers 3-blade tractor propellers with adjustable or variable pitch for aircraft rated 80-160cv. Sold to OEM aircraft manufacturers and aftermarket operators.
• SWIRL-2 Series Direct Drive Tractor Propellers Compact carbon composite tractor propellers for direct drive engines rated 80-130cv. Sold to manufacturers of light sport and ultralight aircraft.
• WINDSPOON Dual-Purpose Propeller Dual-purpose carbon composite propeller design usable as either tractor or pusher configuration. Sold to manufacturers and operators seeking versatile propeller options.
• STOL Series Short Takeoff and Landing Propellers STOL carbon composite propellers with Inconel reinforcement for enhanced durability in short takeoff and landing applications. Sold to STOL aircraft manufacturers and operators.
• Helicopter Main Rotors Carbon composite main rotors for light helicopters including Robinson R22, Rotoway Exec 162F, Scion Vixen, Dynali H3, LCA LH212, Aviotecnica ES-101 Raven, and Heli-Sport CH77 Ranabot. Sold to helicopter manufacturers and aftermarket operators.
• Helicopter Tail (Anti-Couple) Rotors Carbon composite anti-couple (tail) rotors for helicopter applications. Sold to helicopter manufacturers and operators.
• UAV/VTOL Rotors Carbon composite rotors for unmanned aerial vehicles and electric VTOL aircraft with lightning protection and extensive environmental qualification testing. Sold to UAV/eVTOL manufacturers including partners such as Airbus, Eve Air Mobility, Ascendance, and NASA programs.
• Carbon Spinners (Cônes) Carbon composite propeller spinners in diameters from 210mm to 345mm, available in painted white or carbon finish, with Turbo variants for turbocharged engines. Sold as accessories to propeller buyers.
• Mounting Spacers and Lugs (Entretoises) Mounting spacers and lugs for propeller installation including ROTAX 912H, JABIRU, SAE1 and SAE2 adapters and combination adapter/spacer options. Sold as installation accessories.
• Propeller Governors Propeller governors for constant speed propeller control applications. Sold to operators of variable-pitch propeller aircraft.
• Propeller Pitch Adjustment Tool Pitch adjustment tool (ref. 01-80-001) for precise blade angle calibration during installation. Sold as an installation/maintenance accessory.
• Propeller and Rotor Maintenance and Repair Services Comprehensive maintenance, inspection, and re-certification services for propellers and rotors under EASA Part CAO approval. Standard TBO is 5 years, with potential doubling under intensive use conditions such as flight schools. Sold to aircraft operators and owners globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 80% of production exported internationally, indicating strong global demand
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers45 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, moderate and minor.

• AirbuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAirbus is listed as a development partner of DUC Hélices, indicating collaboration on aeronautical programs, likely involving advanced aircraft propulsion solutions and composite technologies.
• Ascendance Flight TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAscendance Flight Technologies is listed as a development partner, collaborating on advanced air mobility programs. Ascendance develops the Atea, a pioneering sustainable aviation aircraft, with DUC contributing propulsion system expertise.
• EmbraercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmbraer is listed as a development partner. The Brazilian aerospace conglomerate collaborates with DUC on aircraft development programs, leveraging DUC's expertise in carbon composite propellers.
• Eve Air MobilitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEve Air Mobility (a subsidiary of Embraer, NYSE: EVEX) is listed as a development partner for urban air mobility programs. DUC contributes to eVTOL rotor development for Eve's electric air taxi platform.
• NASAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNASA is listed as a development partner, indicating collaboration on research and development programs in aviation propulsion and advanced air mobility.
• OneramoderateTechnology or IntegrationOnera (Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales), the French aerospace research center, is listed as a development partner. Onera provides advanced aerodynamic research and testing capabilities.
• SafrancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSafran is listed as a development partner. As a major aircraft engine and systems manufacturer, collaboration likely involves integration of DUC propellers with Safran engine platforms and joint development of propulsion solutions.
• ThalesmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerThales is listed as a development partner. Collaboration involves avionics and systems integration for advanced aircraft programs, combining DUC's propulsion expertise with Thales's avionics and safety systems.
• AkiraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAkira (akira.pro) is listed as a development partner, collaborating on advanced aircraft programs.
• ERCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerERC (Ellipse.aero) is listed as a development partner, collaborating on aircraft development programs.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Neuform Composites: Neuform is a German manufacturer of composite propellers for ultralight and light sport aircraft, closely overlapping with DUC's ULM/LSA product range. Comparable in size and customer segment focus.
• Sensenich Propeller: Sensenich is a US propeller manufacturer producing composite and wood propellers for light sport, ultralight, and experimental aircraft. Directly comparable to DUC across the ULM/LSA/homebuilt propeller range they serve.
• Hoffmann Propeller: Hoffmann Propeller is a German manufacturer of composite propellers for general aviation, including the well-known HO-V and HO-F series. Direct competitor to DUC across European certified and experimental aircraft programs.
• MT-Propeller: MT-Propeller is a German family-owned manufacturer of composite propellers for general aviation and helicopters, very similar in size, ownership structure, and product positioning to DUC Hélices. Competes head-to-head across European light aviation OEMs.
• WhirlWind Propellers: WhirlWind Propellers is a US composite propeller manufacturer serving light aviation and experimental aircraft markets. Comparable to DUC in material technology (carbon composites) and target customer segments.
• McCauley Propeller Systems: McCauley, a Textron Aviation subsidiary, manufactures propellers for general aviation aircraft including Cessna and Beechcraft platforms. Competes with DUC in the certified aircraft propeller segment, particularly around Cessna 172 and similar four-seat aircraft.
• Woodcomp: Woodcomp is a Czech propeller manufacturer producing carbon composite propellers for light sport, ultralight, and experimental aircraft. Directly comparable product portfolio and customer base to DUC's SWIRL and FLASH lines.
• Hartzell Propeller: Hartzell is the leading US general aviation propeller manufacturer, supplying composite and aluminum propellers to OEM and aftermarket customers including Cirrus, Cessna, and Piper. Direct competitor to DUC in the light aviation propeller market with a broader power range.

Broad incumbents

• Pratt & Whitney Canada: Pratt & Whitney Canada manufactures turboprop engines and propulsion systems for regional, business, and helicopter aircraft. A broad incumbent in aerospace propulsion whose PT6 and PW100 engine programs drive demand for propeller integration where DUC and its peers compete.
• Safran (Propulsion / Propeller Systems): Safran is a major aircraft engine and systems manufacturer (CFM, Snecma, Hispano-Suiza) with overlapping propulsion capabilities. Listed as a DUC development partner but operates as a broad incumbent in the wider aerospace propulsion ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/DUCHelices
• Facebookfacebook.com/duchelices
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/duc-helices
• Instagraminstagram.com/duc_helices_propellers
• Xx.com/DucHelices

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 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 DUC Propellers Propellers