Integrated propulsion systems manufacturer Orbital UAV and UK-based aerial logistics company Animal Dynamics have signed a strategic partnership intended to drive innovation.
Under a memorandum of understanding, the two companies will look into the initial concepts for a heavy fuel engine that could be used for Stork-STM, a heavy lift uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) being developed by Animal Dynamics.
Orbital UAV said the initiative will result in a highly performant, reliable and maintainable engine capable of enduring a wide range of environmental conditions Stork-STM will go through.
Stork STM is an autonomous, heavy-lift parafoil built from first engineering principles.
The UAS is a new autonomous solution capable of carrying heavy cargo weighing 135kg up to 400 km.
The system is operational beyond the visual line of sight and can take off and land across short distances on unprepared ground, making it suitable for military resupply, humanitarian aid, and emergency response missions.
The aircraft will tap into Orbital UAV’s engine performance and capability of operating in extreme temperatures, from -30 to 49 degrees Celsius.
This will bring a potential global operating domain to a vehicle designed to work in the harshest and most austere environments, Orbital said in an ASX announcement.
“Orbital represent our first choice to develop the best possible powertrain for our vehicle. We’re confident our customers will be able to rely on their performant and reliable technology in the most difficult operating environments,” said Kevin Allington, CEO of Animal Dynamics.
“The logistical and safety benefits of heavy fuel – combined with Orbital UAV’s patented technology and proven capability – continue to drive our global growth opportunity,” said Todd Alder, CEO and managing director of Orbital UAV.
“We already have established contracts with prime contractors in the USA and our major Singapore defence customer. This opportunity with Animal Dynamics expands our global reach and builds on a number of other near-term opportunities.”
The MoU will not impact Orbital UAV’s forecast revenue for fiscal year 2023 of $20 million to $25 million at this stage.
