Orbital Corporation
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Engineering, Clean technology |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Ralph Sarich |
| Headquarters | Balcatta , Australia |
| Products | Clean engine innovations, alternative fuel solutions, retrofit LPG conversion kits (former subsidiary), FlexDI variable-fuel engine system |
Orbital Corporation Limited (), originally known as Orbital Engine Corporation Limited and established by Ralph Sarich, is an Australian enterprise headquartered in Balcatta. The company focuses on developing clean engine innovations and alternative fuel solutions designed to lower emissions and enhance fuel economy.
Consulting services
At its Balcatta location, Orbital provides comprehensive support across design, manufacturing, development, and testing domains. The team possesses specialized skills in engine architecture, numerical modeling, computational fluid dynamics, combustion and fuel system engineering, rapid prototyping techniques, as well as engine-management software and hardware integration.
Autogas systems
The former subsidiary Orbital Autogas Systems manufactured retrofit LPG conversion kits for a variety of vehicles. Their Liquid LPG injection (LLi) technology delivered LPG in liquid form instead of vapor, improving volumetric efficiency to achieve higher power output and fuel savings. Facing reduced market demand and profitability challenges, Orbital withdrew from the LPG conversion sector in December 2015, transferring related assets and contracts to Sprint Gas (Aust) Pty. Ltd. for approximately A$500,000.
Variable-fuel engine
The FlexDI system optimizes fuel consumption and emission levels in internal combustion engines compatible with multiple widely-used fuels. It is primarily targeted at marine vessels, recreational vehicles, and light commercial transport, including autorickshaws.
This pioneering combustion technology earned the company a Banksia Award in 2003 for Leadership in Sustainable Product Design.
In 2012, the Orbital Redback heavy fuel engine incorporating FlexDI was chosen to power an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Aerosonde, part of AAI's Australian operations.
See also
Further reading
- Sydney Morning Herald, October 26, 2005. Orbital turns to its next big hope – rickshaws. By Matt O'Sullivan
- Powersports Business, December 2004. Orbital expects improvement in 2005.
- Hoover's – Factsheet on Orbital Corporation Limited
- Scootering USA – December 10, 2007. Bajaj Provides Update on the Launch of the Direct Injection Autorickshaw