Argive, a UK-based microturbine and propulsion firm owned by supplies engineering agency Alloyed Ltd, has introduced that its newly developed A300 microturbine will likely be utilized in MGI Engineering’s SkyShark drone. The drone, which is totally 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 typical generators. This discount permits lighter and extra compact energy techniques with fewer upkeep necessities. In line with Argive, the engine was developed for high-performance drone platforms the place weight, effectivity, and packaging constraints are vital. 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 advanced hot-section elements. This contributes to improved thermal efficiency and diminished general mass. “Providing world-class efficiency at a drastically diminished price, the A300 is proof of the facility of the additive manufacturing course of to develop and produce engines at pace,” mentioned Rob Joles, Business Director at Argive. “Additive manufacturing permits the combination of advanced, built-in elements that improve effectivity and reliability whereas lowering measurement and upkeep wants—vital for high-performance drone missions.”
Mike Gascoyne, CEO of MGI Engineering, said: “Integrating the world-leading A300 fuel microturbine into SkyShark marks a major leap in efficiency and functionality. Its compact, light-weight design and distinctive gas effectivity give us prolonged vary, larger payload capability, and the reliability our prospects count on.” MGI Engineering is a UK-based superior engineering firm targeted on drones and autonomous automobile applied sciences, with experience originating from Components 1, motorsport, and aerospace sectors.
The A300’s digital engine structure permits for speedy adaptation to customer-specific efficiency targets by way of thrust, cruise effectivity, and engine dimensions. Argive additionally emphasised that the turbine’s ancillary elements are supported by nearshore and onshore provide chains, serving to to mitigate sourcing dangers and cut back lead instances for deployme
Additive Manufacturing for Engines in Aerospace and Protection
China’s aerospace sector has just lately demonstrated the viability of absolutely 3D printed propulsion techniques in flight, with the Aero Engine Company of China (AECC) finishing a check of a 160-kilogram thrust-class turbojet engine constructed totally 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 capacity to cultivate superior jet engine applied sciences. Whereas the check 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 just lately superior the deployment of 3D printed propulsion in loitering munitions, with its Hellhound S3 unmanned system finishing a GPS-guided mission in the course of the Military Expeditionary Warrior Experiment 2025. The turbojet-powered drone, manufactured with 3D printing and business off-the-shelf elements, 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 techniques with speedy deployment cycles, decrease prices, and diminished logistical burden.
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Featured picture reveals two SkyShark drones outfitted with Argive’s A300 fuel microturbines throughout testing. Picture through Argive.
