Aurora Labs and Mayman Aerospace Team Up to Develop 3D-Printed VTOL Propulsion
Aurora Labs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mayman Aerospace to jointly develop 3D-printed micro gas turbines for advanced VTOL aircraft, marking its strategic entry into the U.S. aerospace sector.
- MoU signed with U.S.-based Mayman Aerospace
- Collaboration on 3D-printed micro gas turbines for VTOL aircraft
- Aurora Labs’ first move into U.S. aerospace and defense market
- Two-year exploratory partnership focusing on propulsion innovation
- Potential acceleration of commercialisation through integration
Strategic U.S. Entry Through Aerospace Collaboration
Aurora Labs Limited, a leader in industrial 3D metal printing based in Australia, has taken a significant step into the North American aerospace market by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mayman Aerospace, a U.S. developer of advanced Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. This partnership is designed to explore the development of 3D-printed micro gas turbines and propulsion systems tailored for Mayman’s innovative VTOL platforms.
The MoU, spanning two years, sets a framework for technical collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint industry engagement. Aurora Labs aims to leverage its additive manufacturing expertise to accelerate the development and commercialisation of compact propulsion units that could be integrated into Mayman’s AI-powered VTOL aircraft, including the RAZOR™ platform.
Harnessing Additive Manufacturing for Next-Gen Propulsion
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, offers unique advantages in producing complex, lightweight, and high-performance components critical for aerospace propulsion. Aurora Labs’ technology could enable rapid prototyping and scalable production of micro gas turbines, a key innovation for electric and hybrid VTOL aircraft seeking efficient, compact power sources.
Mayman Aerospace’s CEO David Mayman highlighted the synergy between the companies, emphasizing how Aurora’s manufacturing capabilities align with Mayman’s vision for scalable, high-performance VTOL platforms. The collaboration could accelerate the path from prototype to operational deployment, potentially reshaping aerial mobility and logistics.
Broader Implications for Aurora Labs’ Growth
For Aurora Labs, this MoU represents more than a technical partnership; it is a strategic foothold in one of the world’s most innovation-driven aerospace markets. The U.S. aerospace and defense sectors offer vast opportunities for validation, networking, and commercial expansion. Aurora’s CEO Rebekah Letheby described the agreement as a key milestone in the company’s international growth strategy, opening doors to new collaborations and enhancing brand visibility among influential U.S. aerospace stakeholders.
While the MoU is exploratory and non-binding, it signals Aurora Labs’ intent to be a key player in the next wave of propulsion innovation. The partnership builds on momentum from Aurora’s recent presence at the Sea-Air-Space Conference in Washington D.C., reinforcing its commitment to advancing metal additive manufacturing technologies in aerospace applications.
Bottom Line?
Aurora Labs’ U.S. partnership could accelerate its propulsion tech from prototype to market, but commercial outcomes remain to be seen.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific milestones will define success during the two-year MoU period?
- How will Aurora Labs scale production if the collaboration leads to commercial contracts?
- Could this partnership pave the way for further U.S. aerospace collaborations or investments?
