“We are delighted to welcome Keith to the Orbital UAV team at what is a transformational time for this company,” said Todd Alder, managing director and CEO of Orbital UAV.

“Keith’s first-hand experience of managing UAS programs for the US Army, combined with his previous role as director of defence programs for our key customer Insitu, make him the ideal candidate to build on our recent strategic progress and provide increased insight into the operational demands of the end user.” 

Hirschman established the Insitu Inc's inaugural program management office, standardising defence program management across the company's acquisition and international programs. 

“I am delighted to join Orbital UAV at a time when the company is becoming increasingly integral to our customers’ success and making clear progress against its growth strategy,” said Hirschman.

“My and the company’s immediate focus is on delivering the world’s best integrated propulsion systems to Insitu under our long-term agreement. Orbital UAV has a reputation for delivering superior quality and reliability in this field and I am looking forward to enhancing that reputation as we take the business forward.”  

Orbital UAV also confirmed that they are in continuous production of the first propulsion system that falls under its long-term agreement with Boeing subsidiary Insitu. Start of production of the second engine is due to begin this quarter.