• Orbital’s N20 heavy fuel propulsion system is fielded as an integrated self-contained package including compact fuel and oil tank modules to simplify UAS assembly and allow in-field servicing. Credit: Orbital Corporation
    Orbital’s N20 heavy fuel propulsion system is fielded as an integrated self-contained package including compact fuel and oil tank modules to simplify UAS assembly and allow in-field servicing. Credit: Orbital Corporation
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Perth based UAS engine manufacturer Orbital Corporation will build a new assembly and development facility in the Oregon, US to support major customer Insitu-Boeing, which uses the company’s N20 engine in its ScanEagle tactical UAS.

Orbital intends to have a new 1,210 square metre facility ready for occupation in Ford Hood in the US North West by February 2018, with UAV engine assembly and overhauls scheduled to begin by mid year. Initially planned to support Orbital’s existing $120 million three-year Insitu-Boeing Long Term Supply Agreement signed in December 2016, the facility will allow future growth in to component and engine development, validation and testing.

“Securing this priority location for our business marks a significant milestone for the Company and underpins Orbital’s UAV vision and US market growth strategy,” Orbital Corporation CEO Todd Adler said. “We have been looking for the right property for Orbital’s needs for some time. Securing an exclusive long term lease over a new purpose built facility in such a highly sought after location in Hood River is a fabulous outcome. Leasing the facility represents a significant capital saving for Orbital and provides flexibility which matches our growth ambitions.”

Orbital bills its N20 heavy fuel propulsion system as the first reciprocating internal combustion engine designed specifically for UAS applications. It is fielded as an integrated self-contained package including compact fuel and oil tank modules to simplify UAS assembly and allow in-field servicing. The propulsion system monitors its own critical systems, sensors and actuators and includes a “black box” data recorder.

Orbital sees a permanent US presence as a foothold in a market expected to grow consistently for the foreseeable future. The US Department of Defence estimates that between 2015 and 2035 the fleet of drones operated by US Government agencies alone will grow from a few hundred to around 10,000. The global market is expected to be worth US$28 billion by 2022, with the military sector tipped to grow at around 38 per cent per year to US$13.9 billion by 2026.

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