Capabilities

Orbital UAV is the world leader in spark ignited, heavy fuel propulsion systems for tactical UAVs.

Orbital UAV provides engine development, testing, validation and refurbishment services in world class facilities. With the right combination of academic qualifications and hands on experience, concept and detailed designs, prototyping and sourcing, testing and validation are executed in-house by our dedicated team.

Our customers include

Design and Development

Orbital applies a methodical and exhaustive process for engine/component/system design & development

Discrete phases from concept definition through to SOP
State of the art analysis tools
Design iteration through prototyping & detailed test procedures, measurement and analysis
Strict validation processes through all stages:
- Concept
- Prototype
- Design Verification and Production Validation
This process has been developed and implemented over the last 10+ years on wide range of applications

Machining and Prototyping

Orbital’s in-house manufacturing capability includes:

Rapid in house manufacture for prototyping and production
Manual and numerically-controlled (NC) mills/lathes, high precision grinding & fabrication
Metrology lab for quality control covering all incoming and machined parts
Developed, world-wide, quality approved, supply base

Testing and Validation

Orbital applies a rigorous process developed from automotive production experience and optimised for UAV-specific requirements
Extensive use of numerical analysis (virtual development, not hardware development) to optimise
- Stress
- Heat management
- Flow
- Engine balance
- Vibration
Design validation and production validation plans developed from FMEA and worst case operating conditions
Test facilities include:
- Fully instrumented engine dynamometer facilities including durability dynamometer facilities
- Propeller durability test stands to perform FAR 33 paragraph 49 UAV engine durability
- Environmental dynamometers for cold start down to -35C and hot operation up to 60C
- Altitude simulation up to 20,000f
- Noise and Vibration Harshness (NVH) for intake and exhaust optimisation
- Fuel injector and fuel system bench test facilities
- Compressor test stands for flow and durability

Servicing and Support

Full after-sale service, including servicing, repair and refit with full quality assurance
Facilities available in both Australia and USA
Customer on-site support