An Australian engineering company has won a major contract to supply a new engine for a pilotless military aircraft, breaking new ground to overcome some of the limitations of other engines currently used in so-called ‘drones’.
Perth-based Orbital Corporation has been contracted to supply its Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) – nicknamed internally as ‘the Redback’ by Orbital staff – to American unmanned aircraft systems manufacturer AAI, a Textron company.
The engine will be fitted to a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS) developed with AAI’s Australian division, Aerosonde, which will see service with the US Navy and Special Operations Command.
The contract, worth up to $4.7 million throughout 2012, is the result of a two-year effort by Orbital to perfect a tiny two-stroke engine that can run reliably on military specified heavy fuels while meeting aggressive fuel economy, weight and noise reduction targets.
http://www.pacetoday.com.au/news/australian-engineering-company-wins-contract-to-su
