Las empresas Northrop Grumman y Orbital UAV se han asociado para el desarrollo de un sistema de Propulsi\u00f3n Hibrido (Elect \/ Comb), destinado a equipar una nueva familia de UAV\u00b4s, del tipo VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), que sean capaces de transportar cargas mayores a las de los sistemas a\u00e9reos aut\u00f3nomos actuales, lo que abrir\u00eda un enorme mercado potencial para esa rama de la industria.<\/p>\n
PERTH, Australia — Orbital Corporation Ltd is pleased to announce it has signed a contract with leading aerospace and defence technology company Northrop Grumman Corporation for the development of a hybrid propulsion system for a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle.<\/p>\n
Orbital UAV has been tasked to design and develop a hybrid propulsion system which combines an electric motor with the Company\u2019s flight-proven heavy fuel engine, to provide leading reliability and performance for VTOL UAV applications.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new contract of work represents another opportunity for Orbital UAV to expand its customer base of global defence prime contractors and further develop our range of products to meet the evolving needs of the tactical UAV market,\u201d said Todd Alder, CEO and Managing Director of Orbital UAV.<\/p>\n
Under the contract, Orbital UAV will develop, supply and support two initial hybrid propulsion systems for integration into Northrop Grumman\u2019s small UAV development platform. Work will be performed at the Company\u2019s production and design facility in Perth, Western Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe integration of our heavy fuel engine technology with a hybrid propulsion system represents a significant technological step forward for the tactical UAV industry,\u201d said Keith Hirschman, Orbital UAV\u2019s Vice-President for Global Growth. \u201cA hybrid propulsion system will address the growing demand for greater payload power.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNorthrop Grumman is developing the next generation of VTOL UAVs,\u201d said Rob Sova, director, Autonomous Systems operating unit, Northrop Grumman. \u201cOrbital UAV will help augment our research and development initiatives in anticipation and support of our customers\u2019 needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Delivery of the two prototype propulsion systems for flight testing is anticipated to occur during 2021. Success in the project has the potential to lead to additional commercial production opportunities for Orbital UAV.<\/p>\n
The development and design contracts will not impact the Company\u2019s current financial year revenue guidance figure which remains at $25-$35 million.<\/p>\n