The APEX30 is designed to meet the needs of US Warfighters who must contend with new and unique logistical challenges in contested areas.
At 500 total pounds, the APEX30’s weight to kW output ratio is 17 pounds. The legacy tactical 15kW MEP-804 genset’s ratio is 126 pounds to produce one kW of electricity and is no longer the optimal power source in contested arenas.
Twelve APEX30s – a total of 360kW – can fit stacked on one 463L pallet.
Our Technology
Since its formation, Locust Power has focused exclusively on developing commercial and military products powered by micro-turbine engine systems. Turbine engines offer significant advantages over diesel and other internal combustion engines: superior reliability, durability, and fuel flexibility, plus lower operating noise and lower total cost of ownership.
While turbine engines have powered aircraft for 85 years, miniaturizing these systems for on-the-ground modularity presents extraordinary engineering challenges. Components like igniters, pumps, and compressors cannot simply be scaled down—they require a complete redesign to function effectively at micro scale.
Locust Power’s success stems from three critical factors: 15+ years of dedicated development, over $50 million in R&D investment, and a team of senior engineers with experience at NASA, Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, and GE Aviation.
Game Changing Development – Electrical Power Generation
While diesel systems dominate the generator market, Locust Power’s compact, lightweight turbine engine has enabled the development of portable generators for two major market segments:
- Man portable ground power gensets for specialized needs, and…
- Electric aerospace applications that require an efficient range extender.
The APEX30 core engine that has been used with a propeller for propulsion applications, anchors our Generator Set design. We use a proprietary generator in this configuration which operates at the same 100,000 RPM output as the engine. The resulting electrical power is easily conditioned to standard AC or DC output.
Man-Portable Generator
The MTS featured in this video is the predecessor technology to the APEX30. This system allowed Locust Power to spiral its technology into the APEX30 product.
Locust Power’s 30kW generator sets offer extraordinary size and weight advantages over traditional diesel units: 75% lighter and 50% smaller, delivering critical logistical benefits. Specialized military operations requiring substantial electricity and rapid mobility will be early adopters of Locust’s APEX (Advanced Portable Expeditionary) generators.
Modern military strategy emphasizes small, highly mobile fighting units. Command posts and troops must relocate instantly, creating significant demand for compact, durable generators. First responders facing severe, widespread disasters require portable power solutions. Generator systems transportable without forklifts can mean the difference between life and death. The ability to connect multiple units into microgrids proves invaluable during disasters like Hurricane Helene. Locust gensets transform both markets. Their compact design enables helicopters, aircraft, and trucks to transport 3-4 times more generators per load. Quiet operation provides tactical advantages in military environments and comfort in temporary living situations.
Subsequent to demonstrations for various US Department of Defense organizations, APEX prototypes will be field tested in late 2025.
Aerospace Range Extender
Battery-powered aircraft would be ideal for environmental and design simplicity reasons, but current battery power density and charging times make all-electric Group 3 and 4 drones impractical for most applications. The US Air Force (AFWERX) recently acknowledged that hybrid solutions are the only realistic near-term option.
Recognizing this power density limitation five years ago, Locust Power developed a high-speed generator to replace the gearbox used in propeller applications.
The result is a high-power-to-weight ratio system that provides sufficient electrical power in a compact, lightweight package to serve as a hybrid range extender for larger drones that are required to carry meaningful payloads more than a short distance.
Locust Power turbines’ fuel flexibility (including biofuels), quiet operation, long overhaul intervals, and reliability make them ideal solutions for this challenging application.
