Argive’s additively manufactured A300 microturbine selected to power MGI Engineering’s SkyShark drone
Argive, a propulsion technology start-up owned by Alloyed Ltd, based in Oxford, UK, has reported that MGI Engineering, also based in Oxford, has selected its A300 additively manufactured microturbine to power the SkyShark drone.
The A300 microturbine offers a wide range of benefits over traditionally manufactured engines. Additive Manufacturing has enabled a fourfold reduction in parts and offers a lighter, more efficient and compact power system well-suited for unmanned platforms and mobile operations. The engine is built using Alloyed’s ABD-900AM nickel superalloy, allowing the hot components to be stronger, more complex, and lighter than would be possible using conventional production methods.
This capability is particularly valuable in MGI’s SkyShark drone, which is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) strike and decoy operations in GPS-denied or highly contested environments.
Using Additive Manufacturing also means the engine design can be easily and quickly tailored to meet customer performance requirements on thrust, cruise efficiency and engine size. This makes it possible to support mission-specific propulsion requirements across a wide range of drone platforms.
“Offering world-class performance at a drastically reduced cost, the A300 is evidence of the power of the Additive Manufacturing process to develop and produce engines at speed,” stated Rob Joles, Commercial Director, Argive. “Additive Manufacturing enables the integration of complex, integrated components that enhance efficiency and reliability while reducing size and maintenance needs – critical for high-performance drone missions.”
Mike Gascoyne, CEO of MGI Engineering, added, “Integrating the world-leading A300 gas microturbine into SkyShark marks a significant leap in performance and capability. Its compact, lightweight design and exceptional fuel efficiency give us extended range, higher payload capacity, and the reliability our customers expect.”
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www.mgiengineering.com
