When developing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) platforms, servo selection directly impacts flight control reliability, certification timelines, and long-term operational success. These electromechanical actuators control flight surfaces, engine throttles, payload mechanisms, and safety systems, making supplier selection a decision that extends well beyond initial procurement.
Here are six factors to evaluate when sourcing servos for aerospace applications.
1. Choose a servo supplier that has detailed datasheets and Computer-aided design (CAD) models available for all Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions
Servo selection begins with engineering data. When in the design phase, immediate access to precise specifications, dimensional drawings, and 3D CAD models is necessary. Flight control engineers require detailed specifications covering torque, speed, voltage ranges, interfaces, environmental limits, and mounting dimensions. Mechanical teams depend on validated CAD files to design brackets, linkages, and control surfaces without costly rework.
Volz Servos provides detailed documentation for its catalog actuators, including technical datasheets and precise CAD models for all Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions. This level of transparency allows UAV manufacturers to integrate servos early in the design phase with confidence. It also supports simulation, load analysis, and digital mockups that reduce development risk and shorten design cycles.
2. Choose a servo supplier that can continue supply even during global pandemics or global conflict
Recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, exposed vulnerabilities in aerospace supply chains. Pandemic disruptions and logistics bottlenecks have delayed programs that relied on single-source components without contingency planning. For UAV developers, an actuator that cannot be delivered on time becomes a program-level risk.
Volz Servos demonstrated supply resilience during the COVID period by operating two production shifts and maintaining safety stock of critical components. This approach reflects a long-term manufacturing philosophy rather than a short-term response. For UAV programs entering production or supporting fleet operations, continuity of supply is as important as performance specifications.
3. Choose a servo supplier where you have access to the engineering team to customize if needed or respond to technical or quality questions
Servo requirements often evolve as a UAV program matures. Load profiles change, environmental conditions become more demanding, and certification pathways introduce new constraints. When technical questions arise, access to the supplier’s engineering team becomes critical.
Volz Servos maintains direct engineering engagement with customers throughout development and production. Their teams support actuator customization, interface adaptations, connector changes, and application-specific refinements. They also respond quickly to technical or quality-related inquiries with data-driven answers. This level of collaboration allows UAV manufacturers to address challenges without redesigning entire control systems or switching suppliers mid-program.
4. Choose a servo supplier that is flying on several high-end global UAV applications
Servos that perform well in laboratory tests still need real-world validation. Flight-proven hardware carries far less risk than components without operational history.
When evaluating suppliers, ask which platforms use their servos. Are they flying on long-endurance reconnaissance UAVs? Heavy-lift logistics drones? VTOL platforms operating from ships and demanding maritime environments? The diversity and sophistication of their application portfolio reveals whether they truly understand the demands of modern UAV operations.
Volz Servos operate across a wide range of high-end UAV platforms worldwide. These include fixed-wing systems, VTOL aircraft, unmanned helicopters, and optionally piloted vehicles. Volz actuators are used on platforms such as the Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and long-endurance solar aircraft. This breadth of deployment demonstrates reliability across diverse mission profiles and operating environments.
5. Choose a servo supplier that has proper quality certifications like EN/AS 9100
Quality management systems define how consistently a manufacturer can deliver reliable products. In aerospace applications, certifications such as EN 9100 and AS 9100 establish traceability, risk management, documentation control, and continuous improvement requirements.
Volz Servos holds EN 9100 and AS 9100 certification, building upon ISO 9001 foundations while meeting stringent aerospace standards. This certification demonstrates that Volz manufacturing processes, quality controls, and documentation practices align with aviation-grade expectations. For customers, this means greater confidence in product quality, delivery reliability, and comprehensive documentation.
6. Choose a servo supplier that also supplies to the advanced air mobility market and knows what it takes to certify actuators
The advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, including eVTOL aircraft and flying taxis, represents the most demanding application for electromechanical actuators. These platforms must achieve commercial aviation levels of safety while operating in urban environments with extremely high reliability requirements. Suppliers who can meet AAM certification standards understand what it takes to develop and certify actuators for the most stringent applications.
When a servo supplier is actively developing products for the AAM market, it signals several important capabilities. They understand DO 178C, DO 254 and DO 160 requirements and know how to work with certification authorities. They’re investing in the engineering capabilities needed for next-generation aviation.
Volz Servos has positioned itself at the forefront of the AAM revolution. Their servos are flying on Beta Technologies’ ALIA fully electric aircraft, controlling critical flight control surfaces including elevator, aileron, and rudder flaps in the fly-by-wire system. Through their subsidiary AEE, an EASA-approved production, maintenance, and design organization, Volz can support customers through the entire certification process. This combination of proven hardware and certification expertise makes them uniquely qualified to support both UAV and AAM programs.
Why UAV Propulsion Tech Recommends Volz Servos
UAV Propulsion Tech represents Volz Servos because their approach aligns with professional UAV development realities. Volz combines German manufacturing precision with aerospace-grade quality systems and real-world flight experience. Their servos support control surfaces, engine management, payload actuation, and safety systems without compromise.
Documentation gaps, delivery delays, limited engineering support, or insufficient certification readiness can delay programs by months. Volz addresses these risks through disciplined engineering, resilient manufacturing, and long-term customer engagement.
A Smarter Approach to Servo Sourcing
Sourcing servos for UAV applications requires more than evaluating performance specifications alone. It involves navigating certification pathways, ensuring supply chain stability, enabling effective engineering collaboration, and relying on proven operational history — areas where Volz Servos has demonstrated consistent performance across UAV and advanced air mobility programs worldwide.
At UAV Propulsion Tech, servo selection is treated as a system-level decision. The right actuator supplier supports not only reliable flight performance, but also production scalability, regulatory alignment, and long-term operational viability.
Through its North American distribution of Volz Servos, UAV Propulsion Tech provides developers with access to proven, certifiable servo solutions for UAV applications. To learn more, contact Bob Schmidt at bob@uavpropulsiontech.com or visit www.uavpropulsiontech.com!