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Australian-based Orbital Corporation confirmed that it has entered into an agreement with Lycoming Engines, subsidiary of Textron Inc, for the delivery of engines for use in Textron’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The agreement is expected oversee development of Orbital’s UAV engines in order to integrate them into Textron’s Aerosonde UAV, and will last 12 months. Following a successful completion of the contract, the companies will enter into a contract for the delivery and maintenance of engines for between five to ten years.
Textron is currently one of the largest UAV suppliers to the US military.
CEO and managing director of Orbital welcomed the agreement.
“We are delighted to announce this major new collaboration with Lycoming and to be working with Textron Systems on a joint development program.
“This relationship further enhances our status within the global UAV defence industry and provides the opportunity to increase our market share and deliver on our strategic growth objectives,” Alder said.
Senior vice president for air systems at Textron, Wayne Prender, noted that the agreement will bolster Textron’s UAV resilience.
“For more than four decades, Textron Systems has been designing, manufacturing, operating and supporting some of the world’s most reliable and trusted multi-mission unmanned aircraft, including the Aerosonde and Shadow systems,” Prender said.
“Orbital UAV’s heavy fuel technology and design expertise coupled with Lycoming Engines’ world-class reputation further supports Textron Systems’ industry-leading UAV mission readiness rates and reputation for reliability and durability.”
[Related: DroneShield to collaborate with Department of Homeland Security]
Liam Garman
Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
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