Aurora Flight Sciences

Happy New Year from Aurora Flight Sciences! This year, we look forward to continuing our mission to advance the future of flight with new innovations and continued collaboration. As we take on new challenges and push the limits of aviation, we’re excited for what lies ahead in 2025. #aerospace #innovation #aviation

We’re excited to announce that our SKIRON-XLE, part of our SKIRON sUAS product line, has been featured in Rotor Pro's Best of 2024 Roundup! https://lnkd.in/eKvVxKFd In August, the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered sUAS completed a seven-hour flight test, representing a significant advancement in flight endurance for the Group 2 platform. SKIRON-XLE was equipped with an Intelligent Energy fuel cell, two five-liter hydrogen tanks, a Lithium Polymer (LiPo) auxiliary battery, and a Trillium HD45 EO/IR camera payload. Compliant with FAA Part 107 regulations and BVLOS-ready, SKIRON is setting new standards in sUAS innovation. #autonomy #suas

This holiday season, our employees are giving back in meaningful ways, supporting a variety of causes close to their hearts. From participating in Wreaths Across America to spreading holiday cheer through a variety of angel tree programs and volunteering at local shelters, their generosity and spirit of community truly shine. We’re proud to have such a dedicated team making a positive impact this season!

This year, we celebrated two significant milestones at Aurora Flight Sciences: 35 years of Aurora and 30 years of manufacturing excellence in West Virginia! https://lnkd.in/es6ybGWA Since 1989, we have been driving aerospace innovation. Take a look back our journey, from our first remotely piloted aircraft in 1991 to our work on some of today's most advanced aircraft. Thanks to our team members, customers, and partners who have fueled our achievements over the years. #aerospace #flight #innovation

Exciting progress at Aurora Flight Sciences as we continue to advance our adaptive control architecture for DARPA's Learning Introspective Control (LINC) program! Together with DARPA and MIT, we are developing technologies that can increase the efficiency and safety of operations for land, air, and sea vehicles. #Innovation #Adaptability #MachineLearning

From our manufacturing floor to the hands of students, composite materials are receiving a second life at the MSU Advanced Composites Institute: https://lnkd.in/eBiRNdvF This year, our Columbus, Mississippi team donated over $1 million worth of composite materials that, while no longer suitable for production aerosystems, still held substantial value for educational and research applications at the Mississippi State University research facility. These materials, including prepreg carbon fiber, resins, paints, and Kevlar, give engineering and manufacturing students the unique opportunity to work with industry-grade materials while learning and refining composite manufacturing techniques. This donation underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting both the academic and professional growth of future manufacturing engineers and technicians. #manufacturing #innovation #aerospace

5-hour battery test - ready for take-off! We took our SKIRON-X sUAS, outfitted with a prototype main battery and externally mounted battery pack, out for a flight test. The aircraft flew for 5hrs 24min on battery power alone. SKIRON-X is a Group 2 UAS that combines the simple operation of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) configuration with the longer endurance of a fixed-wing design. For the flight test, the system was in an operational configuration with a Trillium EO/IR camera payload. The engineering & test team at Aurora continues to push the limits on endurance with both battery-only power and hydrogen fuel cell power (which recently achieved a 7hr flight). Aurora is developing products to meet the endurance needs of our customers whether they prefer the flexibility and wide-weather operation of an all-battery configuration or the max range of a hydrogen fuel cell system. #eVTOL #autonomy #UAS

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and incredible contributions of individuals with disabilities around the world.   At Aurora, we are proud to support the Boeing Employees Ability Awareness Association (BEAAA), an Employee Resource Group dedicated to fostering awareness, building community, and championing the needs of employees with disabilities. Together we can create an environment where all individuals are valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"At Aurora, we're not just advancing the future of flight, we're shaping a more sustainable future for aviation," said Lidia Motfolea, structures design engineer at Aurora. "My goal has always been to make a positive impact on the world while growing into the best version of myself, both personally and professionally. Aurora gives me opportunity to pursue this vision and unlock my full potential." Lidia has a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Graphics and Design from the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest. In June, Lidia made the move from her hometown in Romania to Switzerland to support our Aurora Swiss team in designing structural components for one of our X-plane programs. "Finally summoning the courage to make this leap has been both the hardest and the best decision of my life so far," said Lidia. "The supportive community I have found at Aurora Swiss Aerospace and the amazing work I get to do every day have made every challenge worth it, leaving me with no regrets."