Aurora Labs to 3D print UAS components for Innovaero

Aurora Labs (A3D), an Australian industrial 3D printing company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Innovaero, an Australian defense UAS developer. This collaboration aims to leverage Innovaero’s expertise in aerospace systems development and Aurora Labs’ advanced 3D printing capabilities to innovate and enhance the manufacturing of metal UAS components and to supply Innovaero with Aurora Labs micro gas turbines for testing on Innovaero’s current UAS platforms.

Innovaero, now a JV between Aerovation Technologies Pty Ltd and BAE Systems Australia Pty Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of UK-listed BAE Systems Plc, is based in Western Australia and has extensive capability designing, manufacturing, and certifying products for the aviation industry. Known for its cutting-edge OWL loitering munitions and developer of both the Nearmap Ltd and Spookfish Ltd camera systems, Innovaero will work with Aurora Labs to apply advanced manufacturing to the field of 3D printing for UASs in Australia. The MoU will see both companies exchange information regarding printing and aerospace technologies to assess and improve the performance, reliability, and productivity of parts printed for UASs, alongside collaborating on Aurora Lab’s Micro Gas Turbine propulsion system. The MoU has a term of two years and automatically extends unless terminated by either party.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Innovaero to collaborate with A3D to explore a range of possible solutions for micro-turbine propulsion in real-world applications. Additionally, other allied opportunities in the aerospace domain may present pathways for future exploitation with the unique additive manufacturing processes developed by A3D. Innovaero welcomes the opportunity to work with A3D in road testing those opportunities,” said Mike von Bertouch, Co-managing Director of Innovaero.

“A3D is delighted to engage in this MoU with Innovaero. The application of Aurora Labs’ 3D metal printing technology to various UAS platforms presents a significant opportunity to accelerate the development and market introduction of quality UAS components and micro gas turbine propulsion systems. By integrating our components at this early stage in our development, we can better understand and optimize the performance of printed parts, likely paving the way for advancement in technology and performance of these UASs and propulsion systems,” said Rebekah Letheby, CEO of Aurora Labs.

The collaboration between Aurora Labs and Innovaero highlights the transformative potential of 3D printing in the defense and aerospace industry. The ability to create complex, high-performance parts through 3D metal printing offers significant advantages in terms of design flexibility, material efficiency, and production speed.

Moreover, integrating and providing micro gas turbines via 3D printing holds promise for both UAS and broader aerospace applications. Aurora Labs’ ability to produce complex micro gas turbine parts with enhanced performance characteristics will support Innovaero in developing more efficient operational flights with state-of-the-art propulsion systems made in Australia.