Australian 3D printing specialist Aurora Labs (A3D) and defense drone developer Innovaero have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on 3D printing for Innovaero’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The main objective is to innovate the manufacturing of metal components for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and to supply Innovaero with Aurora Labs microturbines for testing on their current UAS platforms.
Innovaero, a joint venture between Aerovation Technologies Pty Ltd and BAE Systems Australia Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of UK-based BAE Systems Plc, is based in Western Australia. The company has extensive expertise in the design, manufacture and certification of products for the aerospace industry. Known for its advanced OWL ammunition units and the development of Nearmap Ltd and Spookfish Ltd camera systems, Innovaero will work with Aurora Labs to apply advanced manufacturing techniques to the emerging field of 3D printing for UAS in Australia.
Co-Managing Director Mike von Bertouch commented, “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. 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.”
Under the MOU, the two companies will exchange information on printing and aerospace technologies to evaluate and improve the performance, reliability and productivity of printed UAS parts. In addition, a collaboration on Aurora Lab’s microturbine propulsion systems is agreed. The agreement will run for two years and will automatically renew unless terminated by either party.
Commenting on the MoU, CEO Rebekah Letheby said: “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.”
The collaboration between Aurora Labs and Innovaero underscores the transformative potential of 3D printing in the defense and aerospace industries. The ability to produce complex, high-performance parts through metal 3D printing offers significant benefits in terms of design flexibility, material efficiency and production speed. By leveraging Aurora Labs’ advanced 3D printing technology, Innovaero can produce lightweight, durable UAS components that are optimized for performance and reliability, improving overall performance.
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