Motivo Aerospace
Your dedicated development partner for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM),
with projects scaling from small UAVs to full-scale eVTOLs
including critical flight hardware, cargo systems, ergonomic bucks, and more.
From Clean Sheet to First Flight
The path from a concept to a validated flight-ready demonstrator is one of the most challenging journeys in modern engineering. Every design decision is a critical trade-off between performance, strict mass requirements, and balancing ideal design with procurable hardware. On top of this technical complexity, ambitious timelines and investor pressure create a high-stakes environment where engineering execution is everything.
This is where Motivo provides a decisive advantage. We enable a parallel path development approach, starting with your high-level requirements or even a page of ambiguous notes. We partner with you to define a clear scope, then take ownership of the subsystems, from design to delivery.
Motivo's engineering adapts to your exact needs. Whether you require scrappy, rapid iterations for a quick proof of concept, or the formal rigor up to certification-level analysis (FEM, FMECA) and AS9100 level quality control for a flight-critical system, our process scales with you. This flexibility provides a clear path to future certification without sacrificing the speed you need today.
Our approach is founded on true partnership, with deep collaboration and transparency. Throughout the process, we provide constant insight, ensuring the subsystems integrate seamlessly and that there is continuous knowledge transfer back to your team. This model allows your core team to stay focused on proprietary IP while we de-risk the hardware development and accelerate your path to the next milestone.
Full Subsystem
Ownership
Systems-Level
Thinking
Integrated Design &
In-House Build
100% Client-Owned IP
We do more than augment your team; we take complete ownership of scoped subsystems, delivering an integrated solution so you can focus on your core architecture.
Every decision is viewed through the lens of the total system. We anticipate and solve cross-functional challenges in mechanics, electronics, and software before they become problems.
Our engineering process is not theoretical. We design for manufacturability from day one because we build and assemble complex, flight-ready hardware right here in our facility.
Our business model is simple: You are the expert in your market, and we are your engineering partner. All intellectual property we develop for your project belongs to you. Always.
Our Electromechanical & Subsystem Development Capabilities
We offer full-stack support or can plug into specific areas of your development pipeline.
System Architecture & Requirements Definition
We define complete system architectures, create technical specifications, and build product development roadmaps to guide your program from concept through flight testing.
Embedded Software &
Control Systems
Custom firmware, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and software integration to ensure reliable communication and control between all critical vehicle subsystems.
Electromechanical Systems & Actuators
We specialize in the design and development of critical motion systems. This includes variable pitch propellers, rotor tilt mechanisms, and canopy actuation.
Prototypes, Models
& Small Ship-Sets
We build the physical hardware you need, from non-functional ergonomic models to flight-ready hardware. We specialize in the low quantities others avoid, like a single demonstrator plus a full ship-set of spares
High-Voltage Power Systems & Electronics
Development of the core power distribution backbone, from custom power electronics and high-voltage harnesses to integrated battery management systems (BMS) and hot-swap batteries.
Custom Test Stands & Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
We design and build bespoke test stands to validate your hardware (propeller thrust stands, actuator durability rigs). We also develop the ground support equipment needed to operate your experimental aircraft.
Proven in Complex,
High-Stakes Environments
Airbus A³ Vahana
A full-scale, autonomous eVTOL flight demonstrator, developed on a radically compressed timeline.
The Challenge:
Airbus A³ needed to design, build, and fly a full-scale eVTOL aircraft in under four years—a fraction of the typical aerospace development cycle. The program required rapid development of flight-critical hardware and a comprehensive test program to get the novel aircraft off the ground.
The Motivo Solution:
Motivo was enlisted to design and build key flight hardware. We took ownership of the variable pitch propulsion system, delivering three complete ship-sets of fans. Our work also included hardware and support for the battery swapping system, high-voltage power distribution, and the actuated canopy system, enabling A³ to meet their aggressive flight test goals.
Key Services Provided:
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Complex Electromechanical Systems & Actuators
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High-Voltage Power Systems & Electronics
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Prototypes, Models & Small Ship-Sets
Who We Work With
We have supported startups and enterprise players alike.
An Engineering Partner for Your Entire Team
For Founders
& CTOs
Instantly add a seasoned engineering team, letting you scale up without the overhead and delay of recruiting. Our parallel path approach accelerates your roadmap and provides the flexibility to pivot as you learn, while your core team stays focused. As always, you retain 100% of the intellectual property we develop for you.
For VPs &
Directors of Engineering
Bring us a fully scoped project or work with us to conceptualize an idea from scratch. We can take ownership of a complete subsystem, like a landing gear system or a custom actuator, and deliver a fully integrated solution with complete documentation, freeing your team to focus on core architecture.
For Programmatic &
Supply Chain Leads
We provide reliable execution and clear communication, focused on burning down program risk and hitting critical milestones. Our DFM approach ensures a smooth handoff. We are also the partner you call for 'rescue engineering', ready to jump in when another vendor has failed or is behind schedule, getting your program back on track.
Let's Get Your Project Off the Ground!
Whether you have a fully scoped project or just the beginning of an idea, our senior engineering leads are ready to listen. Schedule a brief, confidential consultation to discuss your technical challenges and program goals. Together, we can determine if Motivo is the right partner to help you reach your next milestone.