Microturbo SA
Safran Power Units (formerly Microturbo SA), a French aerospace subsidiary of Safran Helicopter Engines, designs and manufactures Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), engine starting systems, and turbojet engines for military aircraft, business jets, missiles, and target drones worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1961
- HeadquartersToulouse, France
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Microturbo SA does
Microturbo SA, operating under the trade name Safran Power Units, is a French aerospace and defense supplier founded in 1961 and headquartered in Toulouse, France. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Safran Helicopter Engines within the publicly-traded Safran Group (Euronext Paris: SAF), the company specializes in the design and manufacture of aircraft power systems. Its product portfolio spans three core categories: Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) including the SPU300, SPU150, eAPU60, Rubis 3, Saphir 20, and Noëlle 180; engine starting systems such as the ATS334 with mechanical or pneumatic power transfer; and turbojet engines (TR40, TR60-30) covering a power range of 25-600 daN. The company employs 780 people across operations in France and the United States (Dallas and San Diego affiliates) and delivered 520 power systems in 2024.
The company serves a customer base concentrated in European aerospace primes and defense contractors, supplying APUs and starting systems for the Dassault Rafale, Airbus A400M, Airbus Helicopters H225 and NH90, Leonardo AW189, Dassault Falcon 6X, and Bombardier Global 7500 platforms. In the missile and target drone segment, its turbojet engines power MBDA's Scalp and Exocet Block 3, Saab Dynamics' RBS15, Kongsberg's NSM, and Kratos' BQM 167/177. Technology differentiation rests on 60+ years of specialized expertise, proprietary turbojet and APU designs, and a broad stack of certifications including EASA, CAA UK, EMAR FR 145, EMAR21G/J, EN9100-AS9100, PART145, and PART21G. The company has publicly disclosed R&D investment in hybridization and fuel cell technology, with the EcoPulse hybrid-electric demonstrator achieving first flight in December 2023.
Safran Power Units operates a B2B enterprise sales model with direct procurement relationships to OEMs and defense contractors, supported by an aftermarket service network. Revenue is generated through OEM hardware sales (APUs, starting systems, turbojet engines) and recurring aftermarket support (maintenance, repair, parts supply). Pricing is quote-based enterprise contracting and is not publicly disclosed. The company holds strategic partnerships with Kongsberg (NSM propulsion, renewed June 2025) and Rolls-Royce (co-development of next-generation cruise missile propulsion, announced July 2022), positioning it within a broader Safran Group ecosystem that includes shared engineering, manufacturing, and global support infrastructure.
Microturbo SA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Microturbo SA
- Legal name
- Safran Power Units
- Website
- https://safran-power-units.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1961
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Safran Power Units (formerly Microturbo SA), a French aerospace subsidiary of Safran Helicopter Engines, designs and manufactures Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), engine starting systems, and turbojet engines for military aircraft, business jets, missiles, and target drones worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Microturbo SA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aerospace Power Systems (APUs and Turbojet Engines)
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (3336)
- SIC
- Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion (IMABAMAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Engine Control, Fuel & Ignition Systems (FADEC/Accessories) (IMABADAK)
Keywords
Where Microturbo SA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Toulouse
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Microturbo SA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturing: B2B OEM supply of APUs, starting systems, and turbojet engines to aircraft manufacturers (airframe makers, engine manufacturers) and defense contractors for integration into new aircraft and missile platforms.
- Aftermarket Support and Services: Worldwide support services for operators including maintenance, repair, and parts supply. Provides services from Toulouse, Dallas, San Diego, and Safran global network.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
Microturbo SA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Microturbo SA (commercially Safran Power Units) designs, manufactures, and supports Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), aircraft engine starting systems, and turbojet engines for military aviation, business aviation, and missile/target drone propulsion. Its 25-600 daN turbojet engines power European cruise and naval strike missiles (Scalp, Exocet Block 3, RBS15, NSM) and target drones (BQM 167, BQM 177), while APUs such as the SPU300, Saphir 20, Rubis 3, SPU150, and eAPU60 equip platforms including the Rafale, A400M, H225, NH90, AW189, Falcon 6X, and Global 7500. The company also provides worldwide aftermarket maintenance, repair, and parts support.
Product overview
Microturbo SA (operating as Safran Power Units) offers a comprehensive portfolio of power systems for aviation, organized into three core product lines: Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) including SPU300, SPU150, eAPU60, Rubis 3, Saphir 20, and Noëlle 180; Engine Starting Systems such as ATS334; and Turbojet Engines including TR40 and TR60-30. The company serves civil, military, and business aviation segments, providing power systems for aircraft including Rafale, A400M, H225, NH90, AW189, Falcon 6X, and Global 7500. Safran Power Units also develops next-generation solutions featuring hybridization and fuel cell technologies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SPU300 Auxiliary Power Unit Auxiliary power unit designed for demanding conditions, featured on military aircraft and helicopters.
- SPU150 Auxiliary Power Unit Auxiliary power unit designed for business aviation applications.
- eAPU60 Electric Auxiliary Power Unit Electric auxiliary power unit featuring advanced hybrid and fuel cell technologies.
- Rubis 3 Auxiliary Power Unit Auxiliary power unit for military aircraft including the Rafale fighter jet M88 engine start.
- Saphir 20 Auxiliary Power Unit Auxiliary power unit for various military aircraft applications.
- Noëlle 180 Auxiliary Power Unit Auxiliary power unit designed for specific military aircraft and helicopter applications.
- ATS334 Engine Starting System Engine starting system with mechanical or pneumatic power transfer depending on aircraft architecture.
- TR40 Turbojet Engine Turbojet engine for missiles and target drones within the 25 daN to 600 daN power range.
- TR60-30 Turbojet Engine Turbojet engine for military aircraft with robust and compact design.
Quantifiable outcome
- Power range: 25-600 daN across turbojet engine portfolio
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Microturbo SA
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Microturbo SA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Microturbo SA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- KongsbergcoreKongsberg and Safran Power Units renewed their partnership agreement for Naval Strike Missile propulsion. Safran Power Units supplies turbojet engines for the NSM (Naval Strike Missile) manufactured by Kongsberg.
- Rolls-RoycecoreRolls-Royce and Safran Power Units partnered to develop propulsion for next generation cruise missile. This is a strategic co-development partnership combining expertise from both companies for future missile propulsion systems.
- Safran Helicopter Engines (Parent)coreSafran Power Units is a subsidiary of Safran Helicopter Engines, operating within the Safran Group ecosystem with access to shared resources, global network, and corporate support functions.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Microturbo SA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Honeywell Aerospace: Honeywell is the global market leader in aircraft APUs and a direct competitor to Safran Power Units across military and business aviation APU segments. Its broad portfolio and OEM relationships make it the primary incumbent Safran Power Units must compete against for new platform APU content.
- Pratt & Whitney Canada: P&WC supplies APUs for a wide range of business jets and regional aircraft, directly competing with Safran Power Units' SPU150 and other business aviation APU offerings. Its broad installed base and OEM integration on platforms like the Global series create direct overlap with Safran Power Units.
- Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris): Aerojet Rocketdyne, now part of L3Harris, supplies missile and tactical propulsion systems across a broader range of categories. While overlapping less directly in the small turbojet niche, it competes for missile propulsion content on platforms where Safran Power Units' engines are installed.
- Collins Aerospace: Collins Aerospace (formerly UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins) supplies a wide range of aircraft systems including power and starting systems. As a broad incumbent, it overlaps with Safran Power Units in engine starting and auxiliary power system categories.
- Avio Aero (GE Aerospace): Avio Aero, part of GE Aerospace, manufactures engine components and propulsion systems for military and civil aviation. It competes in adjacent aerospace propulsion categories and represents a broad incumbent across European military engine supply chains.
- ITP Aero: ITP Aero, owned by Rolls-Royce, is a Spanish aerospace propulsion manufacturer with civil and military engine component and system capabilities. It overlaps with Safran Power Units through its parent Rolls-Royce's strategic cruise missile co-development partnership and broader European propulsion footprint.
- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI): IAI is a major Israeli defense aerospace manufacturer producing missiles, drones, and aircraft systems. While it focuses on complete platforms rather than propulsion, it participates in the same target drone and missile defense markets that Safran Power Units supplies with turbojet engines.
Direct peers
- Williams International: Williams International is the leading US supplier of small turbojet and turbofan engines for cruise missiles, target drones, and other unmanned platforms. It directly competes with Safran Power Units' TR40 and TR60-30 turbojet engines in the 25-600 daN missile and target drone propulsion segment.
- Nammo: Nammo is a Nordic defense propulsion specialist with rocket and turbine engine capabilities for missiles and space applications. It competes with Safran Power Units in the European defense propulsion supply chain and adjacent missile propulsion categories.
Others
- Safran Aircraft Engines: Safran Aircraft Engines is a sister company within the Safran Group, focused on large commercial and military propulsion systems. While not a direct competitor in APUs or small turbojets, it represents the broader propulsion ecosystem within which Safran Power Units operates and shares technical and procurement resources.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Microturbo SA social profiles
Digital presenceMicroturbo SA compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance9 records
Microturbo SA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Microturbo SA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Microturbo SA subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Microturbo SA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Microturbo SA 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 Microturbo SA
What does Microturbo SA do?
Microturbo SA (commercially Safran Power Units) designs, manufactures, and supports Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), aircraft engine starting systems, and turbojet engines for military aviation, business aviation, and missile/target drone propulsion. Its 25-600 daN turbojet engines power European cruise and naval strike missiles (Scalp, Exocet Block 3, RBS15, NSM) and target drones (BQM 167, BQM 177), while APUs such as the SPU300, Saphir 20, Rubis 3, SPU150, and eAPU60 equip platforms including the Rafale, A400M, H225, NH90, AW189, Falcon 6X, and Global 7500. The company also provides worldwide aftermarket maintenance, repair, and parts support.
Is Microturbo SA a public or private company?
Microturbo SA is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Microturbo SA founded?
Microturbo SA was founded in 1961.
Where is Microturbo SA based?
Microturbo SA is headquartered in Toulouse, France, in the Europe region.
How does Microturbo SA make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturing is the primary driver. The others are aftermarket Support and Services.
Who are Microturbo SA's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Honeywell Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Aerojet Rocketdyne (L3Harris), Collins Aerospace, Avio Aero (GE Aerospace), ITP Aero and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Direct peers are Williams International and Nammo. Safran Aircraft Engines is listed as an others.
Does Microturbo SA have an API?
No public API is recorded for Microturbo SA.
What industry is Microturbo SA in?
Microturbo SA's product category is Aerospace Power Systems (APUs and Turbojet Engines). Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAMAD, Military Aerospace Engines & Propulsion, with a secondary code of IMABADAK, Engine Control, Fuel & Ignition Systems (FADEC/Accessories). Its NAICS code is 336415 and its SIC code is 3724.