HFE International builds compact, fuel-injected engines that are used in generator systems on ground support equipment. We don’t build the ground support equipment itself. We supply the engine, the starter alternator and the power management, and the builder or integrator designs the rest of the system.
What builders look for in a generator engine
Our engines were designed for unmanned aircraft, where weight, reliable starting and steady electrical output matter on every flight. The same qualities matter in a generator system:
- Compact size and low weight. Small, light engines from 5 hp up to 15.3 hp.
- Remote electric starting. A crankshaft starter alternator and starter controller, with no pull cord or prop flip.
- Regulated DC output. Power management units that supply set voltage rails and charge batteries.
- Tested performance. Dyno testing confirms power and fuel use before an engine ships.
- Support in service. Maintenance contracts and troubleshooting for engines in the field.
Our engines and power systems for generator builders
EFI engines from 5 hp to 15.3 hp
Our EFI UAV engines run from the DA 70 at 5 hp to the DA 215 at up to 15.3 hp. Electronic fuel injection meters fuel electronically instead of through a carburetor, and the ECM draws only about 12 W at full throttle. Our MIL-SPEC EFI engines follow the test methods of MIL-STD-810.
Starter alternators on the crankshaft
Our engines take a 3-phase brushless alternator that drives directly on the crankshaft. Options run from 200 W to a 500 W starter alternator, and custom alternators are available on request. Paired with a power management unit that has an integrated starter controller, the 500 W starter alternator lets the engine start remotely.
Power management units
A power management unit turns alternator output into regulated DC rails and keeps batteries charged:
- 500 W PMU with an integrated starter controller: 24 to 28 VDC at 12.5 A (350 W max), 12 to 15 VDC at 9 A and 4.8 to 8 VDC at 8 A
- 250 W PMU: independently programmable outputs that charge two battery packs and feed separate loads
- CHPS-MX hybrid power system: up to 1.5 kW on a 50 V rail, plus programmable 12 to 28 V rails, drawing from the generator, the battery or both at once
Proven in engine and generator programs
We’ve supplied engine and generator systems to unmanned programs on land, sea and air. We provide engine and generator services to Hydronalix for the EMILY unmanned surface vehicle, used for hurricane data collection for NOAA. We also supply the engine and generator systems that power forward flight on Latitude’s HQ-40 and HQ-60 hybrid quadrotors.
Since 2010Designing and building engines in Tucson, Arizona
3,000+Engines and GenPods delivered
AS9100DAnd ISO 9001:2015 certified
Fuel options
Our standard engines run on any grade of pump gasoline with two-stroke oil at 40:1. If your site runs on JP-8, JP-5 or Jet A, we offer heavy fuel engine design and consultation for specific programs. These are custom builds, not off-the-shelf products.
Testing and support after delivery
A generator engine is only as good as its service life. We back our engines with:
- Engine dyno testing to confirm power and fuel consumption before the engine goes into your system
- Maintenance contracts for fleets in service
- Troubleshooting for small engine and generator systems, even when we didn’t design the engine
See all of our engine services.
Tell us about your generator system
Send us your electrical load, voltage requirements, fuel, operating environment and timeline. An engineer will recommend an engine, alternator and power management setup that fits. Prefer email or phone? Use our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HFE make ground support equipment?
No. HFE International doesn’t build ground support equipment. We supply compact EFI engines, starter alternators and power management units that GSE builders and integrators use in generator systems.
What size engine do I need for a GSE generator?
It depends on your electrical load and how the system is designed. Our engines range from 5 hp to 15.3 hp, with alternators from 200 W to 500 W and hybrid power management up to 1.5 kW. Share your load and voltage requirements with our engineering team and we’ll recommend an engine, alternator and power management setup.
Can your engines start remotely?
Yes. With the 500 W starter alternator and a power management unit with an integrated starter controller, the engine can start remotely.
What voltages can the power management units supply?
The 500 W PMU supplies 24 to 28 VDC, 12 to 15 VDC and 4.8 to 8 VDC lines. The CHPS-MX supplies up to 1.5 kW on a 50 V rail plus programmable 12 to 28 V rails.
Can a GSE generator engine run on JP-8?
Not our standard engines, which run on gasoline. We design and build heavy fuel engines to order for specific programs and offer heavy fuel consultation. Contact our team if JP-8 or Jet A is a requirement.
Do you support engines after delivery?
Yes. We offer engine dyno testing, maintenance contracts for fleets in service, and troubleshooting for small engine and generator systems.