in ,

DARPA Taps Aurora to Build Active Flow Control Aircraft Demonstrator

DARPA Taps Aurora to Build Active Flow Control Aircraft Demonstrator
X-65 demonstrator

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has selected Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary, to commence the development of a full-scale aircraft that uses active flow control for flight control.

Aurora will build and demonstrate the X-65 aircraft under the third phase of the Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors program, DARPA said Wednesday.

“The X-65 is a technology demonstrator, and it’s distinctive, diamond-like wing shape is designed to help us maximize what we can learn about AFC in full-scale, real-world tests,” said Richard Wlezien, program manager for CRANE at DARPA.

The experimental aircraft features two sets of control actuators: AFC effectors embedded across all flying surfaces and traditional flaps and rudders.

In 2020, Aurora secured a Phase 0 contract to develop a conceptual AFC design under the CRANE program.

The company received a potential $42.2 million contract to move forward with the second and third phases of the program in December 2022.

ExecutiveBiz Logo

Sign Up Now! ExecutiveBiz provides you with Daily Updates and News Briefings about Government Technology

mm

Written by Naomi Cooper

is a full-time writer for ArchIntel, a division of Executive Mosaic, and a contributor for ExecutiveBiz. She covers emerging technologies, technology innovation, contract awards, partnerships and market expansion stories in the government contracting industry.

Christopher Cleary
ManTech Appoints Former Navy Cyber Adviser Christopher Cleary as Global Cyber Practice VP
Knightscope
Knightscope Secures FedRAMP Authority to Operate for Security Robot & Communication System Offerings