Aurora Labs and Mayman Aerospace collaborate on 3D-printed turbines and propulsion systems for US market
Aurora Labs (ASX: A3D) will partner with US company Mayman Aerospace to explore the development of 3D-printed micro gas turbines and advanced propulsion systems for AI-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft technologies.
The partnership is a strategic move by Aurora to penetrate the North American market that provides an opportunity to combine Mayman’s innovative VTOL platform with its own additive manufacturing capabilities.
Based in California, Mayman has pioneered the development of autonomous high-speed VTOL aircraft and propulsion platforms for military, government and industry use.
Technical exchange
Under the two-year agreement, Aurora and Mayman will exchange technical knowledge and performance data to help develop compact propulsion units for advanced aircraft systems.
The companies will also leverage each other’s networks across the global defence and aerospace communities to assist with industry engagement.
This approach should help open doors to collaborative research and development (R&D) in a highly resourced and receptive market and enhance Aurora’s brand visibility among key US aerospace stakeholders.
Cutting-edge technologies
Aurora chief executive officer Rebekah Letheby said the agreement would validate the company’s cutting-edge technologies within a US aerospace environment.
“We are thrilled to formalise this collaboration with Mayman as we expand our presence into a market renowned for its scale, innovation and appetite for advanced aerospace technology,” she said.
“The US offers unparalleled opportunities to demonstrate the strength of our metal additive manufacturing and propulsion systems in a world-leading aerospace environment.”
International strategy
Entering the US market is an important step in Aurora’s long-term international strategy.
“The North American aerospace and defence sectors are among the most robust and innovation-driven markets globally,” Ms Letheby said.
“By establishing partnerships with companies like Mayman Aerospace, we gain access to a dynamic ecosystem in which next-generation VTOL, unmanned aerial vehicle and defence systems are rapidly evolving.”
Pivotal time
Mayman chief executive officer David Mayman welcomed the Aurora partnership at a pivotal time in aerospace innovation.
“Aurora’s expertise in additive manufacturing and advanced propulsion aligns strongly with our vision for high-performance, scalable VTOL platforms,” he said.
“This deal opens new possibilities for propulsion integration and rapid prototyping that could accelerate our path to fielding next-generation aerial systems.”
Loan funds
Aurora has confirmed the receipt of $500,000 in loan funds against its 2025 R&D tax credit, which the company expects in the September quarter.
The security-free loan carries an annualised interest rate of 15% per annum over a four-month term.
Ms Letheby said the loan funds would be applied to ongoing technology commercialisation (including production plant and equipment for propulsion systems products) and working capital.