Perth-based fuel technology group Orbital has secured another contract win for the development of production engines for pilotless drone aircraft.
Orbital announced today it had been awarded an initial $4.5 million design, development and validation contract for an unnamed customer in the US, adding to a growing number of contract wins for the company in the small unmanned aerial system space.
“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 for the small unmanned aerial systems market,” Orbital managing director Terry Stinson said.
“This is a good example of Australian innovation, and demonstrates Orbital’s engineering and product development capabilities.”
The prototype and low-volume production engines will be delivered from the company’s engine manufacturing facility in Balcatta, but Orbital plans to develop engine assembly, testing and technical support facilities in the US in 2014-15 subject to market demand.
At 1:00PM, WST, Orbital shares were down one cent on the ASX to 16 cents.
