GA-ASI acquires assets of Achates Power

25 August 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced the acquisition of key assets, including a portfolio of patents and other intellectual property, from Achates Power, Inc., a San Diego-based developer of opposed piston (OP) two stroke engine technology. GA-ASI, a California-based subsidiary of General Atomics, is a military contractor that manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and radar systems.

The acquisition strengthens GA-ASI’s capabilities in high-performance propulsion systems, the company said in a press release. GA-ASI intends to incorporate Achates Power’s opposed-piston engine technology into its UAV portfolio.

“Achates Power’s engine designs deliver exceptional value for applications requiring high efficiency and power density, particularly in environments with strict emissions regulations,” said Dave Crompton, CEO of Achates Power. “We are proud that our technology will continue to thrive under GA-ASI, a company renowned for its technical excellence and diverse expertise.”

Achates Power has long been recognized for its groundbreaking work in developing fuel-efficient, high-power-density, and low-emission engines. Achates’ 3-cylinder, 300 kW, 2-stroke cycle OP diesel engine demonstrated a peak brake thermal efficiency of over 49%. Real-world measurements in a Class 8 truck showed that the engine had a 10% fuel economy advantage over the best-in-class reference engine. The engine also demonstrated the ability to meet the 2027 EPA emission standards and CO₂ regulations using a conventional aftertreatment system, without the need for electric heating or a light-off SCR catalyst.

In spite of the technical advantages, Achates Power has not been able to commercialize its OP engine technology.

Source: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems