Catalyst1300-ED1 Engine
An advanced brand-new turboprop engine developed, manufactured and to be certified in Europe for the Eurodrone: the first entirely European Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), with versatile and adaptable capabilities that makes it the perfect platform for Intelligence, Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions or homeland security operations.
Catalyst is the first turboprop engine in aviation history with extensive use of additive manufacturing technology, enabling a lighter and more efficient flight. With the best-in-class overall pressure ratio of 16:1, the Catalyst delivers up to 20% lower fuel consumption, 10% more cruising power and payload, enabling three more hours on a typical UAV (Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle) mission versus other turboprop engines to date. Furthermore, the Catalyst’s FADEPC (Full Authority Digital Engine and Propeller Control System) simplifies the integration between the propeller and avionics. All these main technical features make the Avio Aero engine perfectly suitable for UAV applications. The Catalyst turboprop engine achieved FAA certification in February 2025.
Compressor
Class-leading 16 to 1 overall pressure ratio provides high efficiency and power in a very compact design.
FADEPC
The engine is particularly suitable for remote piloted aircraft. It can also feature a single lever integrated electronic engine and propeller control and simplifies integration between propeller and avionics.
1300
shaft horsepower
10
%more payload / range on a typical UAV mission
16:1
overall pressure ratio
Propeller
integrated 5 blades propeller system
Up to 20
%lower fuel consumption
HPx
high power extraction capability
10
%more cruising power
ITAR
free
Longer TBO
personalized in service support and maintenance
FADEPC
Full Authority Digital Engine and Propeller Control System
A European Engine
The Catalyst is the first European clean sheet turboprop engine in 50 years, designed and developed entirely by Avio Aero in Italy, Poland, Germany and tested and assembled in Czech Republic, thus benefitting from European R&D programs, as well as ensuring independence from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Currently, the civil version of the Catalyst continues to move forward with flight testing and certification. As stated by Airbus in a press release published on March 25th, 2022, “the engine is the best solution based on superior performance, lower developmental risk, better in-service economics and growth potential, and a truly European engine that will contribute to the overall role of Eurodrone as an enabler of strategic autonomy”.
On 1st September 2022, Avio Aero and Airbus Defence and Space signed the new contract for the supply of 120 Catalyst 1300-ED1 turboprop engines with a multi-year service and maintenance agreement for the Eurodrone Unmanned Aerial System.