Aurora's Orion wins first phase of the MAGIC JCTD
Aurora Flight Sciences announced today that its "Orion" unmanned aircraft system has been competitively selected by the US Air Force Research Laboratory for the first phase of the Medium Altitude Global ISR and Communications (MAGIC) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) contract. MAGIC is a new start under the Department of Defense's Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program to demonstrate 5-day endurance flying at 20,000 ft with 1,000 lbs payload.
"Selection of Orion for the JCTD program is confirmation that MAGIC's game-changing capability is demanded by our warfighter and affirms Aurora's efforts in accelerating delivery of this affordable, extremely long endurance ISR capability. With quick-paced innovation in aircraft sensors, Orion is designed to provide a flexible and modular platform for high-priority DoD payloads. This selection is a great honor for Aurora," said Aurora CEO John Langford. "Both Predator and Global Hawk began as similar programs, and have matured to where they are operational systems supporting the US military around the world; Aurora will build on and learn from these programs."
Orion has been under development at Aurora's Columbus, Mississippi plant since 2006. The all-composite aircraft has a wingspan of 132 feet and is powered by twin diesel engines.
In addition to the work to be performed in Columbus, MS, Aurora's facilities in Bridgeport, WV, Manassas, VA, and Cambridge, MA are all expected to be involved in the MAGIC JCTD.
Source: Aurora
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
