General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Victoria-based Conflux Technology have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their additive manufacturing expertise in building flight-qualified Fuel Oil Heat Exchangers (FOHE).
The agreement, which was inked this week at the AVALON 2023, is the result of years of joint development work between GA-ASI and Conflux to create a FOHE for GA-ASI platforms, according to a press release.
Ken Loving, GA-ASI regional vice President for Indo-Pacific, said that through the agreement, the companies will create a clear path to production for the heat exchanger parts utilised by various GA-ASI production lines.
“We continue to work closely with Conflux on the design and manufacture of FOHE for our aircraft,” Loving noted.
Abe Masoud, Conflux business development manager for North America, said the sustained relationship with General Atomics marks an important step in the commercialisation of heat exchangers developed by the company.
“Our continued partnership with General Atomics is a milestone for the commercialisation of additively manufactured heat exchangers within the aerospace and defence markets, carrying the significant weight and performance benefits offered by these technologies towards production,” the Conflux official stated.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, is a designer and manufacturer of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar.
GA-ASI said it offers long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data connection systems necessary to give continuous flight that permits situational awareness and fast strike.
Meanwhile, Conflux Technology is an additive manufacturing company headquartered in Waurn Ponds, Victoria specialising in heat exchanger applications.
