TAT Opens U.S. Innovation Center for Electric and Autonomous Aviation

[In the photo above: TAT CEO Yigal Zamir alongside power modules supplied by the company for F-16 aircraft]

TAT Technologies has announced the launch of a new innovation and development hub in Charlotte, North Carolina, dedicated to advancing the next generation of aerospace technologies — including electric, hybrid, and autonomous aircraft. The facility, called FutureWorks – TAT’s Center for Aerospace Innovation, will feature a specialized high-voltage thermal testing lab, as well as advanced infrastructure designed to accelerate product development and validation cycles.

At the heart of the new center’s mission is the development of cutting-edge cooling and thermal management systems. These solutions are seen as critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, as well as autonomous platforms. Robust thermal systems are essential for achieving stable performance, withstanding extreme operating conditions, and reducing both weight and energy consumption — challenges that the aviation industry must overcome as it moves toward greener and more autonomous flight.

The initiative aligns with TAT’s long-term strategy, as outlined in its recent quarterly reports, to expand into advanced aerospace domains and capture emerging opportunities in electric and autonomous aviation. The company has already disclosed an initial partnership to co-develop a next-generation universal thermal system, while additional collaborations with aircraft manufacturers and aerospace technology developers are currently in progress.

The Charlotte center is scheduled to be fully operational by November and will serve as a hub for international cooperation with OEMs and leading aerospace firms. Alongside its growing innovation agenda, TAT continues to provide maintenance and support for aircraft auxiliary power units (APUs) and landing gear systems. The company views this move as a significant step in strengthening its role as a key player in the evolving global aviation market.

TAT Technologies Eyes Electric and Autonomous Aviation

[In the photo above: TAT CEO Yigal Zamir alongside power modules supplied by the company for F-16 aircraft]

TAT Technologies reported today strong second-quarter 2025 results, showing improvements across all key metrics. Revenue rose 18% year-over-year to $43.1 million, with first-half revenue up 21% to $85.2 million. Gross profit climbed 36% to $10.8 million, lifting the margin from 21.9% to 25.1%. Operating profit jumped 62% to $4.4 million, and net income increased 32% to $3.4 million.

TAT noted a significant expansion in its long-term contracts and order backlog, reaching approximately $524 million, providing multi-year revenue visibility. During the quarter, it also completed a $45 million capital raise, bolstering cash reserves and enhancing financial flexibility.

One of the standout developments this year has been the surge in contracts with Israel’s defense sector. Since January, TAT has signed deals worth roughly $22 million with domestic defense customers—triple the value of previous years—driven by increased Israel Air Force requirements and expanded defense activities. These now account for 7–10% of the company’s annual revenue.

Core business segments continue to fuel growth: the Thermal Solutions division maintains double-digit growth; APU MRO/OEM operations are expanding thanks to exclusive agreements with Honeywell; and the Trading & Leasing business has seen a 200% jump in revenue. Landing Gear MRO activity remains stable but is poised for growth as major maintenance cycles approach.

TAT serves over 300 global customers, including tier-one aircraft manufacturers, system integrators, airlines, and government operators. The company employs around 440 people in the United States and 194 in Israel.

Future Growth Engines in Next-Generation Aviation

In its latest quarterly presentation, TAT highlighted advanced thermal solutions for electric and autonomous aircraft as a key future growth driver. Electric aircraft (eAircraft or eVTOL) run on electric motors rather than jet or piston engines, reducing emissions, lowering fuel and maintenance costs, and enabling quieter operations—an important factor for urban use. Autonomous aircraft can operate without a human pilot in the cockpit, relying on advanced control systems, sensors, and AI for flight management.

Thermal systems are critical in both domains, ensuring optimal operating temperatures for batteries, electronics, electric motors, and control systems, with overheating posing risks to performance and safety. Leveraging decades of experience in heat exchangers and environmental control systems (ECS), TAT aims to address these complex thermal challenges in next-generation platforms.

The company is developing customized cooling systems for both civilian electric aircraft and large unmanned platforms, including military applications. It is also integrating advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing of complex metal geometries and embedding cooling systems directly into engine heads (“Full Thermal Solutions to Engine Heads”) to improve energy efficiency and reduce weight.

While no firm deployment timelines have been disclosed, the company notes that with the eVTOL and electric aviation sectors moving through regulatory approvals and advanced testing, its systems are likely to be adopted in commercial platforms in the second half of this decade. TAT views this domain as a strategic opportunity to expand its addressable market and secure a position at the forefront of emerging aviation technology.