Orbital to expand Perth production facilities

Unmanned aircraft engine manufacturer Orbital UAV has begun an expansion of its Balcatta, Perth production facility following award of a defence global competitiveness grant.

The company, whose export focus is two types of UAV engine produced for Boeing offshoot Insitu, will receive $195,000 under the recently-released grant.

The cash will assist as the company begins to commission additional engine production lines at Balcatta, according to a statement.

In June Orbital delivered the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engine in a development program for a Singapore defence defence industry customer.

The company is developing a third engine type for Insitu.

Orbital UAV CEO Todd Adler said: “With two UAV engine models in production and a further three engine production lines scheduled to enter operation over the next 12 months, this grant will fund the purchase of additional inspection and verification equipment and support increased throughput of development and production parts.

“We are delighted to receive this funding and are greatly appreciative of the support Orbital UAV has continued to receive as we build our business and look to support Australia’s sovereign capability objectives.”

UAV’s must remain airborne for extended periods with engine suppliers focused on light weight, powerful and efficient engines.

Orbital’s patented fuel injection systems developed over 30 years in operation enable advanced spark ignition using heavy fuel – a requirement for military operations.

Picture: Orbital UAV

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