ScanEagle UAV to include Orbital fuel supply module
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
ABN 32 009 344 058
4 Whipple Street, Balcatta WA 6021
Telephone: +61 8 9441 2311
Facsimile: +61 8 9441 2133
www.orbitalcorp.com.au
ASX Code:
OEC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : 12 MAY, 2015
ScanEagle UAV to include Orbital fuel supply module
Orbital’s new innovative design for Insitu’s ScanEagle UAV propulsion system to include an integrated
oil and fuel storage and supply system as part of the new UAV engine
The integration of the new Orbital UAV engine and ancillaries with the oil and fuel storage and supply
systems will enable Orbital to deliver a total propulsion system solution to Insitu for the ScanEagle UAV
program
The increased content to be provided by Orbital has the potential to significantly increase the revenue
from the future ScanEagle production program
Orbital’s innovative new design is expected to provide a significant competitive advantage for Insitu
Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing, have chosen Orbital as the preferred supplier for the ScanEagle UAV
program and commercial negotiations are continuing for an initial production contract
Orbital Corporation Limited (ASX: OEC) (“Orbital” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the new generation
ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (“UAV”) is expected to include an advanced fuel and oil supply module
designed by Orbital as part of the propulsion system assembly included with the new Orbital UAV engine. The
ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System is developed and built by Insitu Inc. (“Insitu”), a subsidiary of The Boeing
Company (“Boeing”). Insitu have chosen Orbital as the preferred supplier of engines and propulsion systems for
the new generation ScanEagle UAV. The propulsion system can also be retrofitted to existing ScanEagle UAVs.
Orbital’s new UAV engine and propulsion system will include an advanced Orbital fuel and oil supply module. The
module allows for a new state-of-the-art configuration that will allow all engine-related systems, including the
fuel and oil supply systems, to be shipped from Orbital to Insitu in one assembled unit. The design improves
reliability, reduces logistics expenses, and enhances easy access/swap out for in-field maintenance. The expansion
of Orbital content in ScanEagle to include the fuel assembly as part of the engine design is a significant
commercial outcome for Orbital as the Company progresses its UAV business from design validation into full
production.
The new Orbital UAV engine and propulsion system assembly combines the engine and ancillaries with the oil and
fuel storage and supply systems into one unit, simplifying the aircraft assembly process and minimising the
number of critical connections whilst also reducing size and weight. As part of this design, the integrity of all of
the fuel and oil service connections can be checked prior to assembly of the aircraft, which is a significant
improvement over competitor systems. Without assembly of the various modules as one unit, each of these tanks
and connections would have to be individually mounted within the airframe and all plumbing connections would
have to be made and tested where space and easy access is limited.
Mr Terry Stinson, CEO and Managing Director of Orbital, stated “We are very pleased to be a key contributor to
this product enhancement to ScanEagle. This is a win-win for Insitu and Orbital: Orbital is adding value by
improving reliability and Insitu gains a new competitive advantage through a simpler aircraft assembly and easier
access for maintenance/swap out of these systems. The new Orbital fuel and oil supply module enhances
Orbital’s UAV engine business and future revenue potential. We are working with Insitu and Boeing to finalise the
terms of a production contract for the ScanEagle program and then intend to move as rapidly as possible into fullscale production.”
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CONTACTS
Website: www.orbitalcorp.com.au
Mr. Terry Stinson
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +61 8 9441 2311
tstinson@orbitalcorp.com.au
Mr. Ian Veitch
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +61 8 9441 2311
iveitch@orbitalcorp.com.au
About Orbital
Orbital is an international developer of innovative technical solutions. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Orbital stock
is traded on the Australian Stock Exchange (OEC).
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