Aurora Labs flies its Aussie 3D printed gas turbine engine

Aurora Labs (A3D) has held the maiden aerial test flight for its 200 Class micro gas turbine in regional Western Australia, validating the performance and functionality of the company’s 3D printed engine.

The Australian designed and made micro gas turbine performed to specification, according to a statement, producing 22kg of thrust at full throttle.

The Perth company deployed the engine in a sub 25kg class unmanned airframe (pictured), with a 2.79m wingspan and a top-speed of 270km per hour.

CEO Rebekah Letheby said: “We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the micro gas turbine project, with our maiden flight now complete.

“A3D’s development of the 3D printed turbine underscores our commitment to innovation, positioning the company at the forefront of micro gas turbine technology development advancing new frontiers.

“The team’s swift progress to the initial flight stage has enabled us to
break through into new markets and applications for 3D printing, fostering future growth and increasing value for A3D Shareholders.”

Key Features of the A3D 200 Class Micro Gas Turbines:

• Thrust – Capable of producing above 20kg thrust suitable for industrial/Defence applications
• Efficiency – Integrated electronic control unit, brushless fuel pump for fuel efficiency, excellent combustion temperatures for optimal fuel burn
• Lightweight – Reducing overall mass of the engine, through 3D design, without sacrificing power or design quality
• Optimised Design – Part amalgamation for ease of assembly and lower cost of manufacture
• And sovereign Capability – An engine designed, printed and built, wholly in Australia.

Since late 2023, the micro gas turbine design has undergone extensive detailed prototyping, with multiple designs produced, 3D printed, and bench tested.

The 3D printing workflow supports multiple design iterations due to the ease of production of the upgraded designs, according to the company.

“The company is satisfied that it is now ready to move into further test work in an aerial environment.

“Real world flight testing will further stress test the micro gas turbine at both altitude and temperature, ensuring that we optimise the design and performance to suit this particular propulsion application.

“The company will also be looking to test larger turbines to expand the diversity of applications in the gas turbine markets.”

Picture: Aurora Labs