Aurora Labs secures defence contract for aircraft turbine

Additive manufacturer Aurora Labs has received an order from the Department of Defence to 3D print a micro gas turbine aircraft engine.

The order, valued at $319,000, demonstrates the company’s growing role in enhancing sovereign capabilities through cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies, according to an announcement.

It builds upon the ongoing development of A3D’s existing range of micro gas turbines and follows a number of Defence orders for test components received in the past year.

The new system is expected to support diverse applications, including defence operations utilising unmanned aerial systems platforms.

Amaero and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) developer Innovaero are also collaborating to incorporate the 3D printed turbine in a defence drone.

The CEO of A3D Rebekah Letheby said: “This contract signifies a major milestone in our commitment to defence innovation and underscores our capabilities in delivering high-performance, locally manufactured propulsion systems.

“We are thrilled to support the ADF innovation initiative and look forward to the success of the system in this proof of concept first stage.”

The latest project also allows A3D to commercialise any intellectual property (IP) developed, adding considerable value to the project through maintaining a hold on IP rights.

The project grants the Commonwealth a license to use the resulting IP in test and evaluation.

“The company mission is to provide the market with advanced, reliable and efficient 3D printing services and engine solutions across various industries, based on carefully selected 3D printed components.

“All materials used in the A3D range of micro gas turbines are extensively selected and tested for quality control through operational testing and evaluation.”

Further reading:
Aurora Labs in second defence 3D print order
Aurora Labs and Innovaero to add gas turbine to defence drone

Picture: Aurora Labs/400N micro gas turbine outer case design