Argive, a UK-based microturbine and propulsion firm owned by supplies engineering agency Alloyed Ltd, has introduced that its newly developed A300 microturbine might be utilized in MGI Engineering’s SkyShark drone. The drone, which is completely UK-developed, is designed for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), strike, and decoy missions in GPS-denied or contested environments.
Argive’s propulsion unit is manufactured utilizing additive processes and has been designed to cut back element depend by an element of 4 in comparison with typical generators. This discount allows lighter and extra compact energy techniques with fewer upkeep necessities. In response to Argive, the engine was developed for high-performance drone platforms the place weight, effectivity, and packaging constraints are crucial. SkyShark is meant to function independently and profit from this compact, fuel-efficient propulsion system.
The microturbine is produced utilizing Alloyed’s ABD-900AM, a proprietary nickel superalloy that permits for stronger and extra advanced hot-section elements. This contributes to improved thermal efficiency and decreased total mass. “Providing world-class efficiency at a drastically decreased price, the A300 is proof of the facility of the additive manufacturing course of to develop and produce engines at velocity,” mentioned Rob Joles, Industrial Director at Argive. “Additive manufacturing allows the mixing of advanced, built-in elements that improve effectivity and reliability whereas lowering measurement and upkeep wants—crucial for high-performance drone missions.”
Mike Gascoyne, CEO of MGI Engineering, said: “Integrating the world-leading A300 gasoline microturbine into SkyShark marks a big leap in efficiency and functionality. Its compact, light-weight design and distinctive gas effectivity give us prolonged vary, larger payload capability, and the reliability our clients count on.” MGI Engineering is a UK-based superior engineering firm targeted on drones and autonomous car applied sciences, with experience originating from Components 1, motorsport, and aerospace sectors.
The A300’s digital engine structure permits for fast adaptation to customer-specific efficiency targets by way of thrust, cruise effectivity, and engine dimensions. Argive additionally emphasised that the turbine’s ancillary elements are supported by nearshore and onshore provide chains, serving to to mitigate sourcing dangers and scale back lead instances for deployme
Additive Manufacturing for Engines in Aerospace and Protection
China’s aerospace sector has lately demonstrated the viability of totally 3D printed propulsion techniques in flight, with the Aero Engine Company of China (AECC) finishing a take a look at of a 160-kilogram thrust-class turbojet engine constructed completely by means of additive manufacturing. The digitally designed engine employed multi-disciplinary topology optimization to cut back weight whereas sustaining structural integrity—elements which have traditionally challenged China’s potential to cultivate superior jet engine applied sciences. Whereas the take a look at confirmed airworthiness at 4,000 meters, scaling manufacturing stays a hurdle, with high-temperature materials consistency, high quality management, and certification processes nonetheless limiting broader deployment.
Within the U.S., Cummings Aerospace lately superior the deployment of 3D printed propulsion in loitering munitions, with its Hellhound S3 unmanned system finishing a GPS-guided mission through the Military Expeditionary Warrior Experiment 2025. The turbojet-powered drone, manufactured with 3D printing and industrial off-the-shelf elements, demonstrated modular payload functionality and tactical readiness in a area atmosphere. As a part of the Pentagon’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, the S3 illustrates how additive manufacturing is enabling light-weight, mission-adaptable techniques with fast deployment cycles, decrease prices, and decreased logistical burden.
Prepared to find who gained the 2024 3D Printing Trade Awards?
Subscribe to the 3D Printing Trade e-newsletter to remain up to date with the most recent information and insights.
Featured picture exhibits two SkyShark drones outfitted with Argive’s A300 gasoline microturbines throughout testing. Picture through Argive.
