Orbital Corp (ASX: OEC) has completed the design phase for its next generation Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) propulsion engine system for Insitu Inc, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), capitalised at $95 billion.
As a result of passing this design phase, Orbital has now commenced the production of prototype hardware to support ground based and flight testing of the new system.
Orbital's complete program contract is valued at up to $4.5 million, and includes the release of a fully produced and validated propulsion engine for unmanned air vehicles.
The next generation engine will be able to run on multiple fuels to support Insitu’s commercial and defense customers, and will be one of the most advanced engines ever used in small unmanned aircraft.
It will utilise Orbital’s Argon FlexECU, the company's smallest, lightest and highest specification Engine Control Unit, designed to operate at higher altitudes and in more turbulent conditions.
The advanced ECU will provide the ground station with engine health monitoring as well as accurate fuel consumption information to maximise safety and efficiency.
Initial flight testing is expected later this year, with the full propulsion and fuel system validation to be completed in early 2015.
Orbital was founded by Western Australian inventor Ralph Sarich, and now provides engine design, product development and operational improvement services for motorcycles, boats, aeroplanes, cars and trucks.
The company is capitalised at around $9 million.
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