Orbital UAV and Northrop Grumman launch new partnership
Australia-based Orbital UAV on 23 April announced that it is teaming up with Northrop Grumman to develop a new hybrid UAV propulsion system.
The system will be designed for use in VTOL UAS and will combine electric motors with the Orbital UAV-developed heavy fuel engine. Prototype development work will take place at Orbital UAV sites in Perth, Western Australia.
Orbital UAV plans to deliver two prototypes of the system in 2021, with flight tests to follow.
Rob Sova, director of the Autonomous Systems operating unit at Northrop Grumman, said that the US company is ‘developing the next-generation of VTOL UAVs’.
He added: ‘Orbital UAV will help augment our research and development initiatives in anticipation and support of our customers’ needs.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
