Australian industrial 3D printing company Aurora Labs has entered the US aerospace and defence technology landscape through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with American UAV developer Mayman Aerospace.
The agreement marks a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing 3D-printed micro gas turbines and propulsion systems for next-generation Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, Aurora Labs stated in an ASX announcement.
The MoU, which covers a two-year term, will see Aurora Labs and Mayman Aerospace explore opportunities for joint development, focusing particularly on additive manufacturing of propulsion units for advanced aerial platforms.
The partnership signals Aurora Labs’ first major foothold in North America – a market seen as a critical component of the company’s international growth strategy.
“A3D is thrilled to formalise this collaboration with Mayman Aerospace,” said Rebekah Letheby, CEO of Aurora Labs.
“As we expand our presence into the United States – a market renowned for its scale, innovation, and appetite for advanced aerospace technology – this MoU is a key milestone in our growth strategy.”
Under the agreement, both companies will work together to share technical insights and performance data to accelerate the development of compact propulsion systems, specifically designed for Mayman Aerospace’s cutting-edge VTOL aircraft.
The collaboration also includes intentions for joint engagement with industry stakeholders across the global aerospace and defence sectors.
“This collaboration opens new possibilities for propulsion integration and rapid prototyping that can accelerate our path to fielding next-generation aerial systems,” said David Mayman, Founder and CEO of Mayman Aerospace.
“Their expertise in additive manufacturing and advanced propulsion aligns strongly with our vision for high-performance, scalable VTOL platforms, such as our RAZOR™ aircraft.”
Aurora Labs said it sees the partnership as an opportunity to validate its advanced additive manufacturing capabilities in a world-leading aerospace environment, building on earlier engagement with US industry stakeholders, including participation in the Sea-Air-Space Conference in Washington D.C.
Letheby noted that the agreement “reinforces [Aurora Labs’] position as a key player in the next wave of propulsion innovation,” with additive manufacturing positioned to play a central role in the future of scalable, high-performance aerospace systems.
The companies expect the collaboration to enhance Aurora Labs’ visibility in the US aerospace market, open doors for further research and development, and speed up commercialisation pathways for 3D-printed propulsion components.
