Parallel Flight and Alpha Unmanned Systems Collaborate on Heavy-Fuel UAS for U.S. Navy

Partnership aims to advance hybrid electric propulsion for long-endurance, heavy-lift unmanned aircraft

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Parallel Flight Technologies, a developer of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems, and Alpha Unmanned Systems, a European leader in fuel-powered helicopter UAVs, have announced a collaboration to advance heavy-fuel propulsion technologies for unmanned aviation in support of the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR). Under an ONR program, Parallel Flight is adapting its Firefly UAS to operate on heavy fuel, enabling long-endurance, heavy-lift unmanned aircraft for maritime and expeditionary missions.

Why it matters

The collaboration reflects a shared focus on propulsion technologies that enhance operational flexibility, reduce logistical burden, and improve safety and endurance for unmanned systems operating in austere and high-tempo environments. The use of heavy-fuel engines is essential for unmanned aircraft deployed in challenging defense and maritime operating conditions.

The details

Working closely with Parallel Flight's engineering team, Alpha Unmanned Systems is helping accelerate the conversion of Parallel Flight's proprietary Parallel Hybrid Electric Multirotor (PHEM) propulsion systems to heavy-fuel compatibility. This is a key enabler for fielding unmanned aircraft that align with existing military logistics and fuel infrastructures.

  • Parallel Flight Technologies and Alpha Unmanned Systems announced the collaboration on February 10, 2026.

The players

Parallel Flight Technologies

A developer of next-generation unmanned aircraft systems.

Alpha Unmanned Systems

A European leader in fuel-powered helicopter UAVs.

Craig Stevens

CEO of Parallel Flight Technologies.

Álvaro Escarpenter

CTO of Alpha Unmanned Systems.

U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR)

The organization supporting Parallel Flight's adaptation of the Firefly UAS to operate on heavy fuel.

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What they’re saying

“We are very pleased to work with Alpha Unmanned Systems. Alpha's real-world experience with heavy-fuel propulsion has been directly applicable to our development objectives, helping us refine and validate our hybrid architecture to meet the unique demands of naval and expeditionary missions.”

— Craig Stevens, CEO of Parallel Flight Technologies (EINPresswire.com)

“The use of heavy-fuel engines is essential for unmanned aircraft deployed in challenging defense and maritime operating environments. We are proud to support Parallel Flight's efforts and contribute our expertise in heavy-fuel UAV propulsion to this important program.”

— Álvaro Escarpenter, CTO of Alpha Unmanned Systems (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

The collaboration between Parallel Flight Technologies and Alpha Unmanned Systems is expected to continue as they work to advance heavy-fuel propulsion technologies for the Firefly UAS under the ONR program.

The takeaway

This partnership demonstrates the importance of developing unmanned aircraft systems that can operate on heavy fuel, aligning with military logistics and enabling long-endurance, heavy-lift capabilities for demanding naval and expeditionary missions.