Orbital Corporation Ltd. and Animal Dynamics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the first formal step in building a partnership that will foster collaboration and drive innovation. Heavy cargo capability The agreement will explore initial concepts for heavy fuel engine systems applicable to Stork-STM, a heavy lift uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) being developed by Animal Dynamics. It will result in a highly performant, reliable and maintainable engine that will excel across the wide range of environmental conditions Stork-STM will fly in.

Stork STM is an autonomous, heavy lift parafoil built from first engineering principles. It is a new autonomy solution designed to carry heavy cargo weighing 135kg up to 400km (the distance between London and Amsterdam). Operational beyond visual line of sight and able to take off and land across short distances on unprepared ground, it is ideally suited for military resupply, humanitarian aid and emergency response missions.

Accelerating commercial deployment Orbital UAV's industry leading engine performance and proven ability to operate in extreme temperatures, from -30°C up to 49°C, will play a crucial role in the strategic deployment of Stork-STM, bringing a potential global operating domain to a vehicle designed to work in the harshest and most austere environments. Orbital UAV's rapid in-house prototyping and cradle- to-grave product lifecycle capabilities enable the Company to take an engine from concept and definition, through to full rate engine production and in-service support, and will help to accelerate the commercial deployment of Stork-STM. As well as powering Stork-STM vehicles, which are being developed for the UK, USA and other allied countries, this engine work will also power a sovereign Australian vehicle, Pelican, being developed in conjunction with Animal Dynamics and Omega Dev Group in Sydney.

Heavy fuel's global demand Heavy fuel engine capability continues to be a growing requirement for the global UAS market. As more of the market's players look to meet this requirement, Orbital UAV's unique technology and industry leading engine performance continues to expand the Company's customer portfolio.