Updated SKIRON-X Starts Production

Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, started production of the latest version of its SKIRON-X Group 2 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). Now in its third generation, SKIRON-X received avionics and ground control station (GCS) upgrades, an improved nose cone design, and an optional long-range radio. These and other updates enhance user experience and flight performance for the platform.

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. An intuitive interface and robust flight simulator simplify training and make the platform easy-to-use, even for non-specialist personnel. 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.

“These new SKIRON aircraft deliver the longer flight times that customers are looking for while being even easier to deploy and operate,” said Jason Grzywna, senior director of products at Aurora Flight Sciences. “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 combines the convenience of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) configuration with the longer endurance of a fixed-wing design. It is compliant with U.S. FAA Part 107 and Remote ID regulations for sUAS operations, can be transported by standard truck or SUV with a two-person crew, and takes under 10 minutes to setup and launch.