- Argive has successfully tested two new 3D printed turbines, delivering enhanced propulsion capability and efficiency
- Global wait times for turbines can be as long as seven years, but with additive manufacturing techniques the Oxford-based company can go from a concept to a tested design in production in just 10 weeks
Argive, an Oxford-based business owned by Alloyed Ltd, has developed two new microturbines through additive manufacturing processes, strengthening British sovereignty in the manufacture of critical technology.
Credit: Argive
Following successful flight tests, Argive’s 3D printed A300 microturbine will support the independent propulsion capability of MGI Engineering’s unmanned SkyShark one-way effector drone.
Argive has also conducted a successful ground test of a much larger turbine, the A1100, which will be used to power considerably larger platforms. The A1100 is built with one of Alloyed’s nickel superalloys, ABD-900AM®, which allows the engine’s hot components to be much stronger and lighter than is otherwise possible. The 3D printed design also significantly reduces the number of parts in the A1100 turbine and offers a lighter, more efficient, and cheaper power system.
Used in devices such as drone interceptors, man-portable power generators, and cruise missiles, microturbines have seen a huge increase in demand following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Traditionally produced by just a handful of small manufacturers worldwide, Argive’s capability to design, test, and begin mass-production of fully-sovereign turbines within 10 weeks represents a step change in global supply.
International companies in both China and the US are investing heavily in developing turbines for additive manufacture but are yet to deliver production at scale.
The Oxford-based company has developed the production capability to build 100s to 1000s of turbines per month in the UK with a near shore supply chain. This unique offering will allow for rapid re-design and scaling of production at the time and point of need, benefiting sectors from disaster-relief to defence.
High performance additive manufactured techniques reduce the reliance on traditional processes such as casting and machining, and enable the design of lightweight turbines at low cost which can be rapidly deployed. This will play a significant role in the ease and speed at which engine designs can be tailored to meet customer performance requirements, including thrust, cruise efficiency, and engine size. Thus enabling companies to deploy ever stronger and lighter systems for mission-specific propulsion across a wide range of UAS and effector platforms.
Rob Joles, Commercial Director, Argive said: “The successful development and test of our new microturbines demonstrates the capacity of UK manufacturing to offer world-class performance at a reduced cost. This is critical infrastructure for our national security, and Argive is at the forefront of driving forward the nation’s manufacturing capabilities. We have demonstrated that a microturbine can be designed, prototyped and tested within weeks, with the potential to roll out development on a rapid scale critical for high-performance drone missions.”
Mike Gascoyne, CEO, MGI Engineering adds: “Through the integration of the A300 turbine into SkyShark, we have demonstrated how compact, lightweight and fuel-efficient drones can be developed at a faster speed and scale than ever before. The UK has the potential to be a leader in advanced manufacturing, and these new turbines are a testament to the country’s capabilities.”