Aurora Flight Sciences Unveils SKIRON-XLE Hydrogen-Powered Drone for Extended Reconnaissance Missions
Key Ideas
- The SKIRON-XLE, developed by Aurora Flight Sciences, is a hydrogen-powered Group two sUAS designed for prolonged reconnaissance missions with a range of up to 75km and a flight time of up to seven hours.
- It features a hybrid VTOL fixed-wing design, facilitating vertical take-offs and landings while providing enhanced range and endurance, along with easy transportability and autonomous operation.
- The drone is equipped with high-resolution electrooptical/infrared (EO/IR) payloads, secure communication systems, a robust ground control station, and an 800W hydrogen fuel cell paired with lithium polymer battery technology for extended flight time.
- SKIRON-XLE successfully completed a seven-hour flight test, meeting US Federal Aviation Administration regulations and showcasing its potential for extended flight durations with ease of deployment and operation.
Aurora Flight Sciences has introduced the SKIRON-XLE, a hydrogen-fuel cell-powered Group two small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed for extended reconnaissance missions. The drone offers a range of up to 75km and can sustain flight for up to seven hours, featuring a hybrid VTOL fixed-wing design for versatile operation. It is equipped with high-resolution electrooptical/infrared (EO/IR) payloads, secure communication systems, and a robust ground control station. The SKIRON-XLE's propulsion system includes an 800W hydrogen fuel cell and lithium polymer batteries for extended flight time. The successful seven-hour flight test demonstrated the drone's compliance with US FAA regulations and its potential for prolonged missions.