Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, has unveiled the SKIRON-XLE, a new addition to its SKIRON Expeditionary small UAS product line powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The SKIRON-XLE is specifically designed for long-range reconnaissance missions and is expected to have flight times exceeding five hours. The UAS combines the benefits of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) with the extended endurance of a fixed-wing design. It is equipped with high-resolution EO/IR payloads from Trillium Engineering and offers customizable payload integration options. The SKIRON-XLE system includes a fuel cell from Intelligent Energy and a ruggedized ground control station featuring Kutta Technologies' Unified Ground Control Station (UGCS) software. The ground control station uses a customized version of UGCS-Defense, meeting international STANAG 4586 and US Army Interoperability standards. With a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the SKIRON-XLE system provides a comprehensive solution for UAS operations. Larry Wirsing, VP of aircraft and product development at Aurora Flight Sciences, expressed excitement about the new fuel-cell-powered variant, highlighting its potential for maximum flight endurance and range. The UAS is being tested for flight capabilities and is intended to offer an easy-to-deploy solution for long-range reconnaissance missions, particularly for customers like the U.S. military. Manufactured in Manassas, Virginia, the SKIRON-X and SKIRON-XLE are designed for quick and easy setup, enabling take-off and landing in versatile environments. The UAS offers fully autonomous launch, flight, and landing operations. The SKIRON-XLE system, with a 2.4G 10W radio and tracking antenna, provides up to 75 km command and control (C2) link range, with various frequency and power options available. Aurora Flight Sciences, with its innovative approach to aircraft configurations, autonomous systems, and propulsion technologies, aims to deliver cutting-edge solutions to its customers. The company prioritizes safety and quality in its products, catering to the evolving needs of the aerospace industry. The SKIRON-XLE represents a significant advancement in UAS technology, offering enhanced reconnaissance capabilities for military and commercial applications.