Argive, a UK-based microturbine and propulsion firm owned by supplies engineering agency Alloyed Ltd, has introduced that its newly developed A300 microturbine shall 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 standard generators. This discount allows lighter and extra compact energy programs 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 important. 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 enables for stronger and extra complicated hot-section parts. This contributes to improved thermal efficiency and lowered general mass. “Providing world-class efficiency at a drastically lowered value, the A300 is proof of the facility of the additive manufacturing course of to develop and produce engines at velocity,” stated Rob Joles, Industrial Director at Argive. “Additive manufacturing allows the combination of complicated, built-in parts that improve effectivity and reliability whereas decreasing dimension and upkeep wants—important for high-performance drone missions.”
Mike Gascoyne, CEO of MGI Engineering, said: “Integrating the world-leading A300 gasoline microturbine into SkyShark marks a major leap in efficiency and functionality. Its compact, light-weight design and distinctive gasoline effectivity give us prolonged vary, larger payload capability, and the reliability our prospects count on.” MGI Engineering is a UK-based superior engineering firm centered on drones and autonomous automobile applied sciences, with experience originating from System 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 parts are supported by nearshore and onshore provide chains, serving to to mitigate sourcing dangers and cut back lead occasions for deployme
Additive Manufacturing for Engines in Aerospace and Protection
China’s aerospace sector has not too long ago demonstrated the viability of totally 3D printed propulsion programs 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—components which have traditionally challenged China’s means 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 not too long ago superior the deployment of 3D printed propulsion in loitering munitions, with its Hellhound S3 unmanned system finishing a GPS-guided mission throughout the Military Expeditionary Warrior Experiment 2025. The turbojet-powered drone, manufactured with 3D printing and industrial off-the-shelf parts, demonstrated modular payload functionality and tactical readiness in a subject surroundings. 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 programs with fast deployment cycles, decrease prices, and lowered logistical burden.
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Featured picture reveals two SkyShark drones geared up with Argive’s A300 gasoline microturbines throughout testing. Picture through Argive.