Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences is an industry leader in rapid aircraft development and integrating state-of-the-art technologies into mission-ready flight systems for government and defense customers.

We design, build, and fly experimental aircraft and cutting-edge technologies; and we integrate new technologies into aircraft platforms and flight test programs. We can develop technologies from concept to flight, build prototypes and production aerosystems, and test new autonomous capabilities.

With unmatched R&D capabilities, and broad and deep experience developed over more than 35 years, we have a proven history of creating innovative and agile solutions that advance the future of flight.

Advanced & Experimental Aircraft

Cutting-edge design, manufacture and flight testing for the next generation of aviation

Designing, building, and flying advanced aircraft is at the heart of Aurora Flight Sciences. We bring together a unique combination of expertise across engineering, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, and flight operations, taking cutting-edge manned and unmanned aircraft designs from initial ideas through to full flight.

Aurora has a long and proven history of creating experimental and prototype aircraft for a wide range of aerospace and defense clients, including NASA and DARPA. The SunLight Eagle platform completed the first solar-powered UAS flights in the U.S. national airspace, and Orion set the world record for the longest flight duration achieved by a remotely-controlled UAV. In 2019, we flew our first unmanned eVTOL passenger air vehicle.

We are continuing to innovate with programs that demonstrate more sustainable propulsion systems, advanced flight controls, maritime heavy-air-lift, and high-speed vertical lift.

Learn more: Advanced & Experimental Aircraft

Autonomy & Manned-Unmanned Teaming

Innovative research and development for collaborative autonomy

Aurora has developed a flexible, service-oriented architecture for developing and deploying novel behaviors in autonomous vehicles, empowering them with high-level decision-making capabilities, and ensuring an effective partnership with human operators. We have also created advanced technologies that further the state of the art in conflict detection and resolution (CD&R), route and trajectory planning, and machine learning.

By applying user-centered design processes, Aurora works to enhance pilot and operator capabilities through autonomous capabilities. In our Advanced Teaming Integration Lab (ATIL), a teaming sandbox allows developers to test novel HMI and autonomy concepts. Our flight simulator enables development of cutting-edge autonomy and automation that support flight crews.

We are experts in both rapid prototyping and flight operations, and our R&D facilities allow us to innovate and iterate through accelerated develop and test cycles, delivering rapid results for our clients.

Learn more: Autonomy & Manned-Unmanned Teaming

Flight Testing & Training

Integration of innovative technologies through proven flight testing

Aurora’s dedicated flight operations team tests novel air vehicles, uncrewed operations, autonomous behaviors, and other technologies to ensure success under challenging real-world conditions. With a variety of capabilities and extensive operations expertise, we can efficiently provide the data you need to move your program forward.

Our capabilities include:

• System integration engineering
• Full-time certified test pilots and crew
• Test fleet: Centaur remotely piloted and DA-42 turbo-prop aircraft; Group 1 and 2 drones
• Hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILSIM) for efficient develop-test cycles
• Flight training to familiarize operators with autonomous capabilities

Learn more: Flight Operations & Testing