Positive spin for Orbital

ORBITAL Engine Corp last week announced that development of its unique combustion technology had reached a new milestone.

In conjunction with an as yet unnamed American car maker, the Balcatta company’s direct fuel injection technology has met stringent US emission requirements, set to be enforced in 2004.

Known as the Orbital Combustion Process (OCP), it also delivered a 12 per cent improvement in fuel economy.

The result of the test is good news for the beleaguered company, which posted a $14 million loss for the second half of the financial year ending June 30.

Orbital chief executive officer Kim Schlunke said the results of the test indicated OCP was an effective means for US car manufacturers to meet the ULEV II emissions legislation.

“We have been working very successfully with this customer over the last few years and this vehicle represents, in our experience, a unique capability for direct injection technology with respect to [US] federal emissions requirements,” he said.

Mr Schlunke said not all of Orbital’s latest developments had been included in the test vehicle and it was possible to see fuel economy improvements of up to 20 per cent.

“This supports Orbital’s strategy of developing a global technology that delivers improved fuel economy and meets the toughest future emissions standards in the world, so that it can be applied to the next generation of global engine platforms,” he said.

Orbital shares were last week trading at 58 cents.