Aurora Flight Sciences has begun production of the latest version of its SKIRON-X Group 2 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS), incorporating upgrades aimed at improving flight performance and operational usability.
Now in its third generation, SKIRON-X sUAS received avionics and ground control station (GCS) upgrades, an improved nose cone design, and an optional long-range radio.
The SKIRON-X ground control station features Kutta Technologies’ Unified Ground Control Station (UGCS) software, which helps users more efficiently plan and execute missions and take advantage of SKIRON’s autonomy features. The platform includes a user-friendly interface and a built-in flight simulator to streamline training, making it accessible to personnel without specialized experience. SKIRON’s highly capable, onboard mission computer enables implementation and integration of autonomous behaviors to support any payload or operation.
Other upgrades include:
- An improved nose cone design that allows for easier alignment of EO/IR payloads, while maintaining flexibility for quick in-field swaps and custom payload integrations.
- Extended flight time, increasing from 3.0hrs to 3.5hrs, for the battery-powered SKIRON-X.
- An available 10W radio and tracking antenna that provides a 47-mile C2 link range.
- A condensed GCS hardware package that reduces the total system footprint and simplifies GCS setup.
The fuel-cell-powered SKIRON-XLE is also now available. SKIRON-XLE includes all the latest features of SKIRON-X but is slightly longer to accommodate its hydrogen fuel cell and auxiliary battery.
In 2024, SKIRON-XLE completed a successful seven-hour flight test equipped with an Intelligent Energy fuel cell, two five-liter hydrogen tanks, and a Trillium HD45 EO/IR payload. SKIRON-XLE landed at 7.0 hours with its hydrogen fuel tanks depleted and ample safety margin remaining on the battery.
Jason Grzywna, Senior Director of Products at Aurora Flight Sciences, commented, “These new SKIRON aircraft deliver the longer flight times that customers are looking for while being even easier to deploy and operate. SKIRON-X and SKIRON-XLE represent Aurora’s commitment to continuous advancement, and I can’t wait to get these highly capable products into the hands of our customers.”
SKIRON-X brings together the benefits of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) configuration with the extended endurance of a fixed-wing design. Designed with operational efficiency in mind, it meets U.S. FAA Part 107 and Remote ID requirements for sUAS operations, can be transported by a standard truck or SUV with a two-person crew, and is ready for launch in under 10 minutes. These features support flexible deployment in a range of field conditions, reflecting Aurora’s continued focus on practical, mission-ready solutions.
