Orbital Corp. Announces SUAS Production Engine Contract 



By Holly Gonzalez



Orbital Corp. Ltd. announced it was awarded a $4.5 million contract to develop a production engine from a small unmanned aerial system maker. The engine will use Orbital’s FlexDI Engine Management System.



The engine package will be be small, durable, fuel efficient, lightweight and extended range, according to a company press release.



A prototype and low-volume production version of the engine will be transported from Orbital’s Balcatta, Australia, facility. Then there are plans to develop engine assembly, testing and technical support facilities in the United States in 2014-2015. 



“Continuing from previous contracts, the successful development and supply of these engines for this new customer will position Orbital as the world leader in heavy fuel EMS [engine management systems] for the small unmanned aerial systems market,” says Terry Stinson, Orbital CEO and managing director.

“This is a good example of Australian innovation and demonstrates Orbital’s engineering and product development capabilities. The small unmanned aerial systems market is an emerging market for Orbital, and we look forward to realizing this potential.”