Aurora Flight Sciences is a leading developer of cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aviation technologies. We have a 35-year history of creating innovative solutions that span the state of the art in aircraft design, autonomy, propulsion, and a range of other disciplines.
Our products and our R&D capabilities solve problems for customers in the global defense, government, and commercial sectors. We offer mission-ready unmanned aircraft systems, and we design, build, and fly experimental aircraft that demonstrate cutting-edge technologies.
SKIRON-X Small Unmanned Aerial Aircraft System
Tactical Group 2 UAS with VTOL capability & ISR payload
The SKIRON-X Group 2 UAS combines the simple operation of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drone with the longer endurance of a fixed-wing design. It’s easy to setup and fly, and its integrated EO/IR camera payload provides excellent ground resolution for airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
The aircraft is designed for efficient deployment with a small footprint and intuitive controls that don’t require a specialist to operate. Advanced autonomy makes operation even easier, and its modular payload allows quick swaps and custom integrations. With hours of flight time and long-range military-grade RF communications, SKIRON-X is well-suited for a variety of operations.
- Easy-to-swap battery
- 3.5 hr. endurance
- Under 10-minutes to set up and launch
- Powered by a hydrogen fuel cell
- 7 hr. endurance
- 54 lbs. take-off weight
Specifications:
| SKIRON-X | SKIRON-XLE | |
| Wingspan | 5.0 m / 16 ft 6 in | 5.0 m / 16 ft 6 in |
| Takeoff weight | 22.2 kg / 49 lb with Trillium HD55 and battery | 24.5 kg / 54 lb with Trillium HD55, fuel cell, tanks |
| Propulsion system | 40Ah Li-ion rechargeable battery | 800W hydrogen fuel cell with rechargeable LiPo battery and fuel tanks |
| Flight endurance | 3.5 hours | 7 hours |
| Max speed | 26 m/s / 50 knots | 26 m/s / 50 knots |
| Cruise speed | 19 m/s / 36 knots | 19 m/s / 36 knots |
Flight Operations & Testing
Integration and flight testing of innovative technologies
Aurora’s dedicated flight operations team tests novel air vehicles, payload sensors, 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
