Orbital Corporation Ltd. (Orbital UAV), a designer and manufacturer of integrated propulsion systems, and Animal Dynamics, a company specialising in uncrewed aerial logistics, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with the intention of co-developing an autonomous aerial solution.
The MoU will act as the first step of forming the pair’s continued partnership, the companies have said.
Specifically, Orbital Corporation and Animal Dynamics intend to work together on initial concepts for heavy fuel engine systems that can be applied to Stork-STM, a heavy lift uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) being developed by Animal Dynamics.
Research stemming from these concepts is hoped to lead to a highly performant, reliable and maintainable engine capable of performing in the range of environmental conditions Stork-STM will operate in.
Stork-STM has been designed as an autonomous, heavy lift parafoil, which is intended to carry heavy cargo of weights up to 135kg (297lbs) up to 400km (248 miles).
Parafoils are non-rigid devices that can be inflated by wind, such as kites or parachutes. They are often used to land payloads at low speed.
Some of the key applications Orbital UAV and Animal Dynamics hope to target with the solution are military resupply, humanitarian aid and emergency response missions, especially as parafoils can be developed to operate beyond visual line of sight and take off and land across short distances.
Orbital UAV’s claims to offer leading engine performance expertise and to have operated devices in extreme temperatures, from -30°C up to 49°C.
It says its industry knowledge will play a crucial role in the strategic deployment of Stork-STM and bringing a potential global operating domain to a vehicle designed to work in harsh and unpredictable settings.
What’s more, the propulsion systems developer has said rapid in-house prototyping means the organisation can take this idea from concept and definition, through to full rate engine production and in-service support, which could help accelerate the commercialisation of Stork-STM.
“Animal Dynamics represents an exciting opportunity to take Orbital UAV’s patented engine technology into the European market and expand our global reach,” said Todd Alder, CEO and managing director of Orbital UAV.
“Stork-STM is a ground-breaking UAS, that will create a unique solution for the defence sector, and beyond.”
Kevin Allington, CEO of Animal Dynamics, added: “Orbital represent our first choice to develop the best possible powertrain for our vehicle.
“We’re confident our customers will be able to rely on their performant and reliable technology in the most difficult operating environments.”
As well as powering Stork-STM vehicles, which are reportedly being developed for the UK, USA and other countries, this engine will be used to power a sovereign Australian vehicle, the Pelican, according to the pair.
