Aurora Flight Sciences
Aurora Flight Sciences Orion
The Aurora Flight Sciences Orion is a long‑endurance (HALE) solar‑electric unmanned aircraft developed by Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary. The program began in 2015 as a response to the United States Air Force’s Challenge 4, which sought a vehicle capable of persisting for weeks at an altitude of 60,000 feet while carrying a modest payload. Orion’s first flight took place on 23 September 2017 from the company’s test site in Palmdale, California, and the aircraft quickly demonstrated its ability to climb above 55,000 feet and remain airborne for more than 48 hours, setting a new U.S. record for solar‑powered flight.
Key features include a 112‑foot wingspan constructed from carbon‑fiber composite, a titanium‑alloy fuselage, and a suite of high‑efficiency photovoltaic cells that feed a set of lithium‑ion batteries providing power for night operation. Its autonomous flight‑control system manages energy, navigation, and collision‑avoidance without pilot input. Orion also carries modular payload bays for communications, remote‑sensing, or scientific instruments.
The Orion program is significant because it validates solar‑electric propulsion for persistent ISR and communications platforms, reduces dependence on traditional fuel, and paves the way for future stratospheric internet‑backhaul or climate‑monitoring missions. Its success has influenced both military and commercial HALE concepts worldwide.
Key features include a 112‑foot wingspan constructed from carbon‑fiber composite, a titanium‑alloy fuselage, and a suite of high‑efficiency photovoltaic cells that feed a set of lithium‑ion batteries providing power for night operation. Its autonomous flight‑control system manages energy, navigation, and collision‑avoidance without pilot input. Orion also carries modular payload bays for communications, remote‑sensing, or scientific instruments.
The Orion program is significant because it validates solar‑electric propulsion for persistent ISR and communications platforms, reduces dependence on traditional fuel, and paves the way for future stratospheric internet‑backhaul or climate‑monitoring missions. Its success has influenced both military and commercial HALE concepts worldwide.
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Classification
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 130 kilometre per hour
- Service Ceiling
- 6100 metre
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 1
- First Flight
- 2013
Design & Classification
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Aurora Flight Sciences
- Engine
- Austro Engine E4
- Wikidata ID
- Q22906540