Aurora Labs and Innovaero collaborate to additively manufacture components for unmanned aerial systems
August 15, 2024
Aurora Labs Limited (A3D), headquartered in Canning Vale, Australia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Australian defense manufacturer Innovaero Pty Ltd. The collaboration is expected to result in additively manufactured metal components used in Innovaero’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Under the agreement, Aurora Labs will provide micro gas engines for testing on Innovaero’s current UAS platforms.
Rebekah Letheby, Aurora Labs CEO, explained, “A3D is delighted to engage in this MoU with Innovaero. The application of Aurora Labs’ 3D metal printing technology to various UAS platforms presents a significant opportunity to accelerate the development and market introduction of quality UAS components and micro gas turbine propulsion systems.
“By integrating our components at this early stage in our development, we can better understand and optimise the performance of printed parts, likely paving the way for advancement in technology and performance of these UASs and propulsion systems. “
Innovaero is a joint venture between Aerovation Technologies Pty Ltd and BAE Systems Australia Pty Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of UK-listed BAE Systems Plc. The company has extensive capability designing, manufacturing and certifying products for the aviation industry. Innovaero is known for its one-way loitering (OWL) munitions, and as the developers of both the Nearmap Ltd and Spookfish Ltd camera systems.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Innovaero to collaborate with A3D to explore a range of possible solutions for micro-turbine propulsion in real-world applications,” added Mike von Bertouch, Co-managing Director of Innovaero. “Additionally, other allied opportunities in the aerospace domain may present pathways for future exploitation with the unique additive manufacturing processes developed by A3D. Innovaero welcomes the opportunity to work with A3D in road testing those opportunities.”
The MoU covers two years, but will automatically roll over unless terminated by either company.
