Media Release
Safesky Systems and Kite Magnetics sign MOU to test next-generation motor technology on VTRX uncrewed aircraft
Australian collaboration will put advanced magnetic materials through ground and flight validation
Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, Perth, WA,
On Tuesday 6 October, Safesky Systems and Kite Magnetics signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Land Forces 2026 to demonstrate and measure the performance benefit of Kite Magnetics’ Aeroperm® soft magnetic stator-core technology in the forward propulsion motor of Safesky Systems’ VTRX uncrewed aircraft.
The project will retrofit Aeroperm® into the VTRX’s existing motor architecture. The teams will then run comparative thrust-stand and flight tests against the current baseline. The aim is to quantify, with real aircraft data, what advanced motor materials can deliver for uncrewed systems.
Kite Magnetics will lead motor simulation, engineering, thrust-stand testing, and the design and manufacture of the Aeroperm® stator core. Safesky Systems will supply the baseline motors and mission profile, integrate the upgraded motor, and conduct flight testing.
“Aeroperm® is designed to advance the efficiency and power density of electric motors, and it scales. Our technology is already well established in propulsion applications where weight and endurance are critical. This program with Safesky Systems takes the path of precision engineering at a compact scale for the VTRX. It allows us to demonstrate our technology on a sovereign-made, operational aircraft, as part of our continued expansion into the global UAV market” said Dr Richard Parsons, Founder and CEO of Kite Magnetics.
“Endurance defines mission capability. Integrating Kite Magnetics’ motor technology into the VTRX is intended to deliver more efficient motors, longer endurance and enhanced capability for the aircraft. Successful validation of this integration will become a defining discriminator for the VTRX, reinforcing Safesky Systems’ position at the leading edge of next-generation uncrewed capability,” said Jack Kormas, CEO of Safesky Systems.
Both companies intend to explore further collaboration, including purpose-built motor designs, improved endurance and thermal performance, and stronger Australian propulsion supply chains.
The agreement was signed at the Victorian Government Pavilion at Land Forces 2026, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6 to 8 October.
About Kite Magnetics
Kite Magnetics is a Melbourne-based developer and manufacturer of ultra-low-loss Aeroperm® nanocrystalline stator core technology for electric motors and generators. Founded in 2021 by Dr Richard Parsons, the company has developed a dual moat materials+manufacturing platform for next generation soft magnetic alloys, serving automotive powertrain and advanced UAV propulsion markets. Learn more at kitemagnetics.com.
About Safesky Systems
Safesky Systems develops autonomous unmanned aerial systems for defence, law enforcement, emergency response and critical infrastructure missions. With an Australian Design Centre and active customer, demonstration and operational engagement across allied markets, the company delivers NDAA-compliant, ITAR-free platforms built for GPS-denied, EW-contested and high-risk environments. Learn more at safeskysystems.com.
Media enquiries
Safesky Systems: Gabriella Bostock, gabriella@safeskysystems.com
Kite Magnetics: Dr Richard Parsons, richard@kitemagnetics.com