Orbital UAV Signs Engine Development Agreement for Aerosonde

Aerosonde launch. Image courtesy of Mark Schauer.

Orbital Corporation Ltd (‘Orbital UAV’) has announced the signing a new engine development and supply agreement with Textron subsidiary, Lycoming Engines.

The new agreement includes a 12-month engine development program, which will enable the integration of an Orbital UAV-designed core engine, including proprietary fuel and engine control systems, into Textron Systems’ Aerosonde program. Textron subsidiary Textron Systems is a world leader in unmanned aircraft systems and one of the largest suppliers of tactical UAVs to the U.S. armed forces.

Upon satisfactory completion of the engine development program, the Agreement transitions to an engine supply contract. The supply agreement includes the provision of engines, spare parts and support services and will run for a minimum of five years. Lycoming then has the discretion to call for five additional one-year extensions to complete the full 10-year term.

“We are delighted to announce this major new collaboration with Lycoming and to be working with Textron Systems on a joint development program,” said Todd Alder, CEO and Managing Director of Orbital UAV. “This relationship further enhances our status within the global UAV defence industry and provides the opportunity to increase our market share and deliver on our strategic growth objectives” said Mr. Alder.

Wayne Prender, Senior Vice President, Air Systems at Textron Systems, said: “For more than four decades, Textron Systems has been designing, manufacturing, operating and supporting some of the world’s most reliable and trusted multi-mission unmanned aircraft. Orbital UAV’s heavy fuel technology and design expertise coupled with Lycoming Engines’ World Class reputation, further supports Textron Systems’ industry-leading UAV mission readiness rates and reputation for reliability and durability”.

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