Argive, a micro turbine and propulsion systems company owned by Alloyed Ltd, will deploy its A300 3D-printed micro turbine engine on MGI Engineering’s SkyShark unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Argive’s next-generation gas micro turbine will support the independent propulsion capability of this 100% UK-autonomously developed SkyShark one-way effect UAV.
The A300 micro turbine is specifically developed for additive manufacturing and offers extensive advantages over traditionally manufactured engines. Its 3D-printed design reduces the number of parts by three quarters, providing a lighter, more efficient, and more compact power system – making it ideal for UAV platforms and mobile operations.
The A300 is manufactured using Alloyed’s nickel-based high-temperature alloy ABD-900AM, which enables the engine’s hot-end components to be made stronger, more complex, and lighter than those produced by traditional methods. Ultimately, this alloy achieves excellent engine performance at a low cost. This is particularly valuable for MGI’s SkyShark UAV, which is designed to perform intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), strike, and decoy missions in GPS-denied or highly contested environments.
Argive 3D Prints Micro Turbine Engines for MGI Engineering’s SkyShark UAV – Reducing A300 Turbine Part Count by Three Quarters.
This digital engine design can also be easily and quickly customized according to customers’ performance requirements in terms of thrust, cruise efficiency, and engine size, meaning it can meet the specific mission propulsion needs of various UAV platforms.
Meanwhile, establishing near-shore and domestic supply chains for auxiliary components also reduces supply chain risks.
Rob Joles, Commercial Director at Argive, said: “The A300 delivers world-class performance at significantly reduced costs, demonstrating the power of additive manufacturing processes in the rapid development and production of engines. Additive manufacturing enables the integration of complex monolithic components, thereby improving efficiency and reliability while reducing size and maintenance requirements – which are crucial for high-performance UAV missions.”
Mike Gascoyne, CEO of MGI Engineering, said: “Integrating the world-leading A300 gas micro turbine into the SkyShark marks a major leap in performance and capability. Its compact, lightweight design and excellent fuel efficiency provide us with longer range, higher payload capacity, and the reliability that customers expect.”
For more information, please contact us at Debaolong Seiko. You are also welcome to upload your design to Debaolong Seiko for a quotation.
