40 years

For over 40 years, Orbital UAV has been at the forefront of propulsion innovation, evolving from its roots in internal combustion and automotive engineering to become a global leader in integrated engine systems for tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Balcatta, Western Australia, Orbital UAV has consistently delivered cutting-edge solutions that meet the rigorous demands of defence and aerospace clients worldwide.

Our proprietary technologies, including advanced spark-ignited heavy fuel engines and real-time propulsion system diagnostics, have set new benchmarks for reliability, performance, and system durability. With a commitment to excellence, we’ve established strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Boeing’s Insitu, Textron Systems, and Northrop Grumman, contributing to critical defence programs and national security initiatives.

Orbital fosters a culture of excellence,
innovation, and collaboration

The Orbital team thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Looking ahead, Orbital UAV is dedicated to advancing the capabilities of UAV propulsion systems, ensuring our clients remain at the cutting edge of technology and operational effectiveness. Through continuous innovation and a steadfast commitment to quality, we aim to empower our partners to achieve mission success in the most challenging environments.

Passion

We care deeply about innovation, excellence, and performance. Every design decision, test, and tune is driven by the thrill of making aircraft fly farther, cleaner, and more reliably - mission after mission.

Challenge

We question assumptions and challenge the status quo to spark creative thinking. By testing limits and exploring better ways, we turn hard problems into elegant engineering solutions.

Opportunity

We create an environment where people and ideas grow. With clear ownership, mentoring, and room to experiment, our teams develop faster - and our customers feel the benefits in every product we deliver.

Team

Executive

Stephen Pearce
Chief Executive Officer
‍Stephen was appointed as Orbital’s Chief Executive Officer in May 2025. He has over 10 years of experience as a company Founder, CEO, Board Member and Advisor to several early-stage technology companies. Stephen was the CEO of Carbonix, Australia’s largest manufacturer of long-range drones.

Mark Wege
Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary
Mark Wege was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of Orbital in December 2024. Mark is a qualified Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia.

Board

Kyle Abbott B.COM (HONS 1ST), CA
Chairman
Kyle joined the Orbital Board as a Non-Executive Director on 1 May 2018, and become the Chairman of Orbital's Board in December 2025 . Kyle is an experienced aerospace and defence industry executive who brings vast relevant experience to the Board of Orbital.

Steve Gallagher BENG (HON) BCOM MAICD
Non-Executive Director
Steve is Principal of Agere Pty Ltd, an advisory and investment company drawing on his capability and professional networks established over 30 years as a CEO and Director of global businesses.

Andrew Mills
Executive Director
Andrew has a bachelor’s degree in applied chemistry and has 25 years’ experience within automotive and aerospace industries. Prior to joining Orbital in 2019 Andrew held senior leadership roles with BAE Systems UK and HELLA New Zealand.

Grant Lukey PhD
Non-Executive Director
Grant was appointed to the Orbital Board as a Non-Executive Director on 1 December 2023. Dr. Lukey is an experienced industry executive with a background in Chemical Engineering. He holds a PhD in minerals processing and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University.

Explore the 3 Ways to Work with Orbital

All options deliver Orbital’s proven reliability, FlexDI™ efficiency, and mission assurance across all engines. Choose the engagement model that fits your programme, timeline, and budget.

Strategic Partnership Programme

For OEMs who need a system-level advantage with co-engineered propulsion that wins programmes.

We embed with your team to design and execute a bespoke Integrated Propulsion System (IPS), optimised for your airframe and mission profile - from requirements capture to flight test and beyond, we’re with you for the long run mission after mission.

Strategic Partnership Program >

Mission-Ready Engines

Orbital’s renowned power, efficiency, and reliability - ready to deploy.

Standardised configurations of Orbital’s renowned Integrated Propulsion Systems with the same reliability and performance built on a 20 year pedigree - delivered faster and at a lower price point for OEMs seeking market leading Over Line of Sight (OLS) propulsion.

Mission Ready Engines >

Mission Assurance Support

Keep your fleet flying - every mission, every theatre.

Flexible service packages to maximise availability: spares & repairs, health monitoring, engine overhaul, and field support - tailored to your operating tempo.

Mission Assurance Support >

News

The Role of Metrology in Orbital UAV’s Engine Crankcases

In the world of unmanned aerial vehicles, reliability begins long before the first flight.

At Orbital UAV, combustion efficiency begins with precise fuel atomisation

Our FlexDI™ air-assisted direct injection system atomises fuel to ~8 µm droplets, compared to ~120 µm in conventional systems.

Built for Extreme UAV Performance: OptiProp

Tactical UAVs are flying higher, faster, and into increasingly contested environments - leaving no margin for inefficiency

Let’s chat about your airframe and mission requirements?

Sales

Let’s scope your programme.

‍Share timelines, quantities, and target budgets - we’ll map the best path (Partnership or Mission-Ready).

start with sales

Technical

Let’s talk airframe and mission.

Bring your platform specs, payloads, and constraints - we’ll recommend the right engine/PMS configuration.

start with engineering

Downloads

50HFE brochure 75HFE brochure 150HFE brochure 350HFE brochure pms brochure

Australia

4 Whipple Street, Balcatta,
Western Australia, 6021
+61 (08) 9441 2311
contact@orbitalcorp.com.au

USA

210 Wasco Loop, Hood River,
OR 97031 USA
+61 (08) 9441 2311
contact@orbitalcorp.com.au