Beehive Industries places $50m EOS order to scale 3D printed drone engine production
Defense demand drives what is claimed to be the largest single publicly disclosed order of EOS technology
Beehive Industries has committed more than $50 million to expand its fleet of EOS metal additive manufacturing systems, in what EOS described as the largest single publicly disclosed order in its history. The purchase covers 30 EOS M4 ONYX systems, to be delivered within 12 months to Beehive’s facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Centennial, Colorado, bringing the company’s total EOS metal AM machine count to 50.
The investment is tied directly to growing military demand for the company’s Frenzy 8 engine, a jet engine designed for swarm-class drones and other uncrewed aerial systems.
Beehive stated the engines are built specifically for low-cost, high-volume production requirements that are increasingly central to modern defense procurement.
Milestones and contracts underpin the expansion
The order follows a series of program advances for the Frenzy 8, including high-altitude testing, flight readiness validation, and a $29.7m US Air Force contract covering vehicle integration, flight testing, and propulsion platform qualification. Beehive also reported it is developing the Rampart turbofan platform targeting applications requiring more than 1,000 lbf. of thrust.
“Beehive is experiencing unprecedented demand for our Frenzy 8 engines driven by major defense programs and the urgent need for affordable, high-rate production of uncrewed systems,” said Darius Ehteshami, COO and CFO of Beehive Industries.
“Our expanded collaboration with EOS and this substantial investment in best-in-class 3D printers will significantly increase our production capacity while reinforcing our commitment to delivering scalable, American-made propulsion solutions that strengthen warfighter capabilities.”
Beehive said it selected the EOS M4 ONYX for its throughput, process stability, automation, and part quality. The platform features a six-laser architecture, an expanded build volume, advanced process monitoring, and EOS’s RFS Pro powder filtration system. Beehive will also use EOS software for real-time process monitoring, production data tracking, and quality management to support repeatability and traceability across its AM operations.
“Choosing to expand our fleet with these 30 EOS M4 ONYX systems was a strategic decision driven by EOS’s willingness to truly partner with us. Throughout this process, the EOS team leaned in, worked creatively, and demonstrated a deep commitment to our long-term growth,” said Jonaaron Jones, President of Additive Parts Sales at Beehive Industries.
“We value this kind of collaborative, forward-thinking partnership, and it sets a high bar for our equipment suppliers as we continue to scale and meet our production goals.”
Marie Niehaus-Langer, Chief Executive Officer of EOS, added: “Beehive Industries’ unprecedented investment demonstrates how additive manufacturing has become a foundational production technology for the next generation of advanced propulsion systems.
“The success of the Frenzy engine program highlights what is possible when innovative design and industrialized additive manufacturing come together. We are proud to support Beehive as they expand production capacity and accelerate the delivery of high-performance technologies to customers around the world.”
