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.’
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