Destinus unveils compact jet engine for tactical drones

Aerospace firm Destinus has unveiled a lightweight, high-thrust jet engine for drones and light cruise missiles, marking a step forward in rapid prototyping and European drone capability development.

The company presented its T150 turbojet at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, where it also showcased its expanding UAV product line.

Developed in just six months, the T150 engine reflects a minimalist design focused on efficiency, weight savings, and simplified maintenance. As noted by the company, the core of the engine is a compact radial turbine that reduces axial length and eliminates the need for complex internal architecture.

Destinus says the engine uses a kerosene-oil blend—95% Jet A-1, JP-8 or JP-10 fuel mixed with 5% oil—for both combustion and bearing lubrication. This integrated system removes the need for a conventional oil circuit, reducing system weight and mechanical complexity. The engine produces 150 kgf of thrust at a maximum speed of 57,800 RPM, with a specific fuel consumption of 0.12 kg/h/N. Electrical output is rated at 1,500 watts.

The engine weighs 17.5 kg including accessories and measures just 530 mm in length, with a diameter of 245 mm.

According to Destinus, the T150 is intended for platforms like the company’s new RUTA drone, a hybrid between a cruise missile and a reconnaissance UAV. The jet-powered RUTA has a range of 300 kilometers and is designed for both strike and ISR roles. The air vehicle can also serve as a target drone in training operations.

The distinct advantage of RUTA lies in its combination of low cost, payload size and speed, which makes it ideal for multiple missions, according to the company’s website. The drone launches with a solid booster and lands via parachute and deployable airbags.

In addition to the RUTA, Destinus is serially producing two other UAV platforms, LORD and HORNET. All are designed for modular integration with varied propulsion and payload requirements.

Destinus has been developing dual-use high-speed flight technology since its founding, focusing on new technology systems and future long-range transport concepts.

With the unveiling of the T150, Destinus enters a niche market for compact jet engines that offer scalable production and immediate applicability to tactical platforms. Company officials at Le Bourget described the engine as a “mature, field-ready product” already in testing on airframes designed for operational environments.