Alpine Aerotech LP and Phenix Solutions Inc. have partnered in the design, and manufacture of an exhaust duct for the Ultra 2XL Heavy Lift VTOL UAS.

Alpine Aerotech has 30 years of experience in the design, and certification of air management components for major helicopter OEMs. Their dedicated 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada is equipped with specialized machinery and technicians perfectly suited for this type of prototype development.

Utilizing 3D printing to quickly develop dies and fixtures, Aerotech was able to produce the first prototype within 2 months. Their team of sheet-metal craftsman, and aerospace certified welders produced a high-quality part, without significant expenses in conventional tooling.

“We are known as experts for exhaust manufacture and repair in the conventional helicopter industry, particularly on the Bell platforms,” explains Taylor Wilson, Manufacturing Manager at Alpine Aerotech. “It's a great opportunity to collaborate with an innovator in unmanned systems. We understood Phenix's project requirements and were able to deliver a cost-effective solution utilizing our existing capabilities.”

The Phenix Solutions Ultra 2XL Heavy Lift VTOL UAS, is powered by the Rolls Royce RR300 gas turbine powerplant. It delivers unparalleled versatility and mission capacities in critical logistics, firefighting operations, and defense applications. The Ultra 2XL will enter flight testing activities in McMinnville, Oregon, immediately after its debut at HAI Heli-Expo.

These flight test activities are a culmination of months of rigorous aircraft flight system and sub-component testing in support of Agility Prime and other DoD activities. This rigour confirms the durability of the design, manufacturing, and solution fit for the Unmanned Heavy Lift mission. The Ultra 2XL represents the evolution of Heavy Lift UAS, purpose build to deliver meaningful payload capability and range.

Brian Riese, President, and CEO adds, “The opportunity to collaborate with an industry leader like Alpine Aerotech was a tremendous success from the outset. Their responsive approach and superior design capabilities made the process seamless from start to finish. Alpine's commitment to excellence resulted in a high-quality prototype that is production ready for our heavy-lift UAS, the Ultra 2XL.