ABOUT US

Building the future together, rooted in tradition

Since 1963, SOLO has been developing and manufacturing aircraft engines and propulsion systems for motor gliders. More than six decades of experience in aviation form the foundation of what distinguishes us today: technical expertise, reliable products, and the ambition to combine proven solutions with new ideas.

For us, it is not just about engines. It is about people who work together to develop solutions, take responsibility, and passionately shape the future of aviation.

EXPERIENCE THAT DRIVES US

The history of SOLO began with the SOLO 560, a four-cylinder boxer engine used in the Scheibe Motorspatz. Later, Hirth manufactured this engine in series under the designation F 10.

In 1983, the SOLO 2350 marked another milestone. Following collaboration with Prof. Oehler, the engine was certified and continues to power the five-blade propellers of the Turbo motor gliders to this day.

More than 1,000 aircraft worldwide are equipped with this propulsion system – as the 2350 B and BS in the Piccolo motor glider from Technoflug, as the 2350 C in the Ventus cm and the DG 1000T, and as the 2350 D in the two-seat aircraft from Schempp-Hirth.

BUILDING ON WHAT WORKS

In 1998, the water-cooled 2625 engine was certified in two versions. To this day, it is used in self-launching gliders from Schempp-Hirth, DG Flugzeugbau, Binder, and HPH. With the 262502i, the series was expanded to include modern electronic fuel injection.

Today, the majority of powered gliders fly with SOLO engines.

For us, tradition therefore does not mean holding on to what has already been proven. Tradition means learning from experience and using it as the foundation for creating something new.

TOGETHER INTO THE FUTURE

Aviation is facing new challenges. New technologies, changing requirements, and the demand for sustainable propulsion solutions are also opening up new opportunities. SOLO is actively shaping this development.

Since June 2023, our 80400 electric propulsion system has been the first EASA-certified system of its kind. With it, we combine our decades of experience in aircraft engine manufacturing with innovative electric propulsion technology.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

In spring 2026, our team came together to ask what SOLO stands for today and what we want it to stand for in the future. The result is our vision:

“Building the future together, rooted in tradition – through service and innovation.”

And our mission:

“We secure our core business – the glider market – through product improvement, innovation, and service, and use this strength to open up new markets.”

In practical terms, this means continuously maintaining and improving what our customers have valued for decades. We are expanding our service offering – from training to spare parts supply. And we are developing new propulsion technologies that enable us to grow beyond the glider market.

TOGETHER MEANS WORKING AS ONE

Successful development does not happen alone. It is created through the exchange and cooperation of employees, customers, aircraft manufacturers, partners, and the aviation industry as a whole.

We listen, think ahead, and develop solutions that work in practice. In doing so, we combine the experience gained over more than six decades with a clear focus on the future.

QUALITY. EXPERIENCE. INNOVATION.

SOLO is certified by EASA as a design organization, production organization, and maintenance organization.

Our history is the foundation of our future. Our commitment remains to developing reliable and innovative propulsion solutions that enable people to take to the skies safely.

WORKING AT SOLO

We are a small team with a great deal of responsibility. At SOLO, no one works on an anonymous part of a process – anyone who builds or inspects an engine knows exactly which aircraft it will eventually fly in.

This means short communication channels, direct decision-making, and the opportunity to make a real difference. At the same time, we work in a regulated environment where care and precision matter – technically demanding and with a level of responsibility that you can feel.

We train apprentices, support professional development, and are looking for people who love technology and are eager to help shape the future of aviation.

→ View our current job openings

Building the future together, rooted in tradition.