This article is based on an official press release from Aurora Flight Sciences and industry public data.

Boeing’s Brain Trust: Aurora Industrializes Autonomy with ATLAS Program

On December 9, 2025, Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, released a significant strategic update regarding its approach to autonomous flight. Titled “Engineering Autonomy for the Next Generation of Aircraft,” the announcement details the company’s maturity in transitioning artificial intelligence from simulation labs to real-world skies. Central to this update is the ATLAS (Accelerated Testing of Live Autonomy Software) program, a development pipeline designed to serve as the “digital flight school” for Boeing’s future aviation platforms.

As the aviation industry moves toward certified autonomous operations, the focus has shifted from experimental one-off demonstrations to scalable, industrial-grade software architectures. Aurora’s latest disclosure highlights how it is using surrogate aircraft, specifically the Centaur and SKIRON-X, to validate the complex decision-making systems required for upcoming high-profile military and commercial programs.

The ATLAS Architecture: Bridging Simulation and Reality

According to the company’s announcement, the core of this new capability is the ATLAS program. This unified Software architecture allows engineers to test code in virtual environments and deploy it immediately to physical aircraft without the need for extensive rewriting. This “lab-to-sky” workflow is critical for reducing the risk associated with testing autonomous behaviors on expensive, next-generation airframes.

Dr. Mia Stevens, Chief Engineer of the ATLAS program, emphasized the operational focus of their methodology in the press release:

“What sets us apart is how we bring together research, flight testing, and real aircraft to make autonomy operational. We’re building systems that will define how the next generation of aircraft think and fly.”

Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation (HILSim)

A key component of ATLAS is Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation (HILSim). This process involves plugging real aircraft hardware, such as flight computers and sensors, into a simulator to “fly” thousands of virtual hours. By subjecting the actual hardware to virtual scenarios, Aurora can validate system responses to edge cases that would be dangerous or cost-prohibitive to test in the real world.

Building Human-Centric Trust

The announcement also highlighted a focus on “trust-building” between human operators and AI systems. Aurora is utilizing human-centric AI metrics, including eye-tracking and heart-rate monitoring of pilots in simulators. These metrics help engineers understand how human operators react to autonomous decisions, ensuring that the technology performs predictably and works collaboratively with human crews.

The Surrogate Fleet: Centaur and SKIRON-X

To bridge the gap between code and capability, Aurora employs a specific fleet of “surrogate” aircraft. These platforms are used to “teach” the AI before it is entrusted with classified or high-value vehicles.

• Centaur (Optionally Piloted Aircraft): Based on a modified Diamond DA42 general aviation plane, the Centaur can fly with a safety pilot on board while the AI controls the aircraft. It operates in the National Airspace System (NAS) to test sensors and decision-making algorithms in real-world traffic environments.
• SKIRON-X (Group 2 sUAS): This small, electric-aviation vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) drone allows for rapid, low-risk iteration of swarm behaviors and “communication-aware autonomy.”

Strategic Context: Powering the X-Planes

While the December 9 announcement focused on the underlying software architecture, this technology is the foundational “brain” for several major programs currently active as of late 2025. The autonomy stack developed under ATLAS is intended to support Boeing’s advanced projects.

One such project is the DARPA SPRINT X-Plane, a high-speed, runway-independent vertical lift aircraft utilizing “Fan-in-Wing” technology. Currently in Phase 1B (Preliminary Design), flight testing for SPRINT is targeted for 2027. Additionally, the autonomy work supports the X-65 CRANE, a revolutionary aircraft that uses bursts of air for steering rather than traditional moving control surfaces.

Aurora also continues to serve as a partner to Wisk Aero, Boeing’s autonomous air taxi subsidiary, collaborating on the autonomy stack for Wisk’s 6th Generation aircraft.

AirPro News Analysis

The Industrialization of AI Pilot Training

The significance of Aurora’s announcement lies not in the hardware itself, but in the industrialization of the training pipeline. Much like human pilots require flight hours to achieve certification, AI pilots require verified data and experience. By formalizing the ATLAS pipeline, Aurora is effectively creating a standardized “flight school” for algorithms.

This development comes at a critical time for the industry. With the FAA’s Part 108 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) released in August 2025, the regulatory pathway for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations is becoming clearer. The ability to demonstrate a robust safety case, backed by thousands of hours of HILSim and surrogate flight data, will be the differentiating factor for companies seeking to operate in shared airspace.

In the competitive landscape of late 2025, Aurora faces stiff competition from defense-focused firms like Shield AI, whose “Hivemind” pilot is platform-agnostic, and Skydio, which dominates the small drone market with visual navigation. However, Aurora’s integration with Boeing’s massive industrial base and its specific focus on certifying heavy, complex X-planes positions ATLAS as a critical infrastructure play for the future of aerospace defense and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ATLAS program?
ATLAS stands for Accelerated Testing of Live Autonomy Software. It is Aurora Flight Sciences’ unified architecture for developing, testing, and deploying autonomous flight software across different aircraft platforms.

What aircraft does Aurora use for testing?
Aurora primarily uses the Centaur, an optionally piloted Diamond DA42, and the SKIRON-X, a small eVTOL drone, as testbeds to validate software before deploying it to larger, more expensive airframes.

How does this relate to Boeing?
Aurora Flight Sciences is a Boeing company. The autonomy technologies developed by Aurora are intended to power Boeing’s future platforms, including the DARPA SPRINT X-Plane and the X-65 CRANE.

What is HILSim?
Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation (HILSim) is a testing method where real aircraft hardware (like flight computers) is connected to a simulator. This allows engineers to test how the physical hardware reacts to virtual flight scenarios.

Sources

• Aurora Flight Sciences

The Evolution of Flight Control: X-65 and the Shift to Active Flow Control

The aviation industry is currently witnessing a significant shift in aerodynamic design, moving away from the mechanical control surfaces that have defined flight for over a century. On November 20, 2025, Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, announced a critical milestone in the development of the X-65. This experimental military aircraft, developed under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) CRANE program, represents a fundamental departure from traditional aircraft architecture. Rather than relying on external moving parts like rudders, flaps, and ailerons, the X-65 is designed to maneuver using bursts of compressed air, a technology known as Active Flow Control (AFC).

The significance of this development lies in its potential to alter the basic mechanics of flight. Since the Wright brothers, aircraft have been steered by physically altering the shape of the wing or tail to change airflow. The X-65 program aims to prove that this can be achieved more efficiently and stealthily through pneumatic systems. As the program progresses, the focus has shifted to the manufacturing phase, with substantial hardware taking shape at production facilities. This transition from digital design to physical assembly marks a pivotal moment for the Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors (CRANE) program.

We are observing a careful yet ambitious timeline for this project. While the engineering challenges inherent in such a novel design have necessitated schedule adjustments, the commitment to validating AFC technology remains steadfast. The recent updates from Aurora Flight Sciences provide a transparent view into the production status, the restructuring of the program’s investments model, and the technical specifications that define this unique X-plane. Understanding these details offers insight into the future of military and potentially commercial aircraft.

Manufacturing Milestones and Program Restructuring

According to the latest reports from November 2025, the manufacturing of the X-65 has reached an advanced stage. The aircraft’s fuselage is currently being assembled at Aurora’s facility in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Projections indicate that the fuselage is on track for completion in January 2026. Alongside the main body, fabrication of the wing assemblies and engine diffusers is proceeding, while critical propulsion and AFC system components have already been received and are prepared for integration. This synchronization of component manufacturing suggests that despite broader timeline shifts, the physical construction is proceeding with momentum.

The program has also undergone a strategic restructuring to ensure its viability amidst rising costs and technical complexities. In August 2025, DARPA and Aurora Flight Sciences finalized a new agreement to co-invest in the completion of the X-65. This shift from a purely government-funded model to a shared investment structure highlights the industry’s stake in the success of this technology. It acknowledges the resource-intensive nature of developing an entirely new method of flight control and secures the necessary capital to push the project through its ground testing and flight demonstration phases.

Regarding the timeline, the schedule has been adjusted to accommodate these changes and the rigorous demands of safety and systems integration. Following the targeted completion of the fuselage in early 2026, the program is scheduled to move into ground testing later that year or in early 2027. Consequently, the first flight of the X-65, originally anticipated earlier, is now projected for late 2027. This revised schedule reflects a pragmatic approach to experimental aerospace development, prioritizing system reliability over speed.

“We’re excited to continue our longstanding partnership with DARPA to complete the build of the X-65 aircraft and demonstrate the capabilities of active flow control in flight. The X-65 platform will be an enduring flight test asset, and we’re confident that future aircraft designs… will be able to leverage the underlying technologies.”, Larry Wirsing, VP of Aircraft Development at Aurora Flight Sciences.

Technological Innovation: Active Flow Control

The core innovation driving the X-65 is Active Flow Control (AFC). In a standard aircraft, the pilot steers by moving hinged panels on the wings and tail. These movements create drag and require heavy, complex hydraulic systems. The X-65 replaces these mechanical surfaces with 14 specialized “effectors” embedded across the flying surfaces. These effectors release pressurized bursts of air to manipulate the aerodynamic flow over the wings, effectively changing the air pressure and flow direction to control pitch, roll, and yaw.

The implications of this technology extend beyond simple maneuverability. By eliminating the gaps, hinges, and actuators associated with moving control surfaces, aircraft designers can create smoother, more seamless wing structures. This reduction in mechanical complexity translates to lower weight and reduced drag, which can improve fuel efficiency and range. Furthermore, the absence of external moving parts significantly reduces the aircraft’s radar cross-section, offering inherent stealth advantages that are highly valuable for military applications.

To validate this technology safely, the X-65 is being built with a “training wheels” philosophy. The aircraft is equipped with both traditional mechanical controls and the new AFC system. In the initial phase of flight testing, the aircraft will utilize standard flaps and rudders to establish baseline performance and ensure safety. Once the flight envelope is secured, the mechanical controls will be locked down, and the aircraft will rely solely on the air-burst effectors. This phased approach allows engineers to isolate the performance of the AFC system and prove its viability as a primary control method.

Specifications and Operational Context

The X-65 is a substantial unmanned system designed to operate at speeds and altitudes relevant to real-world applications. The aircraft features a wingspan of 30 feet (approximately 9 meters) and a gross weight of 7,000 pounds (approximately 3,175 kilograms). It is powered by a single turbojet engine and is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 0.7 (approximately 537 mph). The design utilizes a modular “diamond-like” wing shape, which allows for outboard sections to be swapped. This modularity ensures that the X-65 can serve as a long-term testbed, testing different AFC configurations in the future without requiring a completely new airframe.

It is important to distinguish the X-65 CRANE program from other ongoing developments at Aurora, such as the SPRINT program. While both involve advanced aerodynamics, the SPRINT program focuses on “fan-in-wing” technology for vertical takeoff and landing. The X-65 is distinct in its singular focus on replacing control surfaces with pneumatic steering. This distinction is vital for understanding the specific engineering goals of the CRANE program, which is to validate AFC for broad adoption across future aircraft generations.

“Demonstrating active flow control in flight opens new design and production possibilities for both military and commercial aircraft.”, Christopher Kent, DARPA CRANE Program Manager.

Future Implications and Conclusion

The progress of the X-65 signals a potential transformation in aerospace engineering. If the flight tests scheduled for late 2027 are successful, the data gathered could lead to a new generation of aircraft that are lighter, stealthier, and more efficient. The collaboration between DARPA and Aurora Flight Sciences demonstrates a shared commitment to overcoming the technical hurdles associated with radical innovation. By co-investing in this technology, both parties are betting on a future where the moving wing flap becomes a relic of the past.

As the fuselage nears completion in West Virginia, the industry watches closely. The successful implementation of Active Flow Control would not only enhance military capabilities through improved stealth and performance but could eventually filter down to commercial aviation, offering fuel savings and design efficiencies. The X-65 serves as the critical bridge between theoretical aerodynamics and practical, operational reality.

FAQ

What is the X-65?
The X-65 is an experimental unmanned aircraft developed by Aurora Flight Sciences and DARPA to demonstrate Active Flow Control (AFC) technology, which replaces traditional moving control surfaces with bursts of compressed air.

When is the X-65 expected to fly?
Following schedule adjustments, the first flight of the X-65 is currently projected for late 2027, with ground testing expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.

How does the X-65 steer without moving parts?
It uses 14 “effectors” embedded in the wings that release pressurized air bursts. These bursts manipulate airflow over the aircraft surfaces to control pitch, roll, and yaw, replacing the need for flaps and rudders.

Sources: Aurora Flight Sciences

Introduction

The defense technology sector marked a significant milestone on September 23, 2025, when RTX Corporation revealed its latest Radar-Systems innovation: the APG-82(V)X, featuring advanced gallium nitride (GaN) technology. This development is not just an incremental upgrade but a shift in radar design and performance, promising increased range, improved processing speed, and multi-mission flexibility. The APG-82(V)X is positioned to address the evolving threat spectrum facing modern air forces and allied partners worldwide.

The integration of GaN technology into radar systems reflects a broader trend in the defense industry, where wide-bandgap semiconductors are increasingly replacing legacy materials. This shift enables higher power efficiency, better thermal management, and greater reliability, key attributes for next-generation military applications. As the global security environment becomes more complex, innovations like the APG-82(V)X are critical for maintaining tactical and strategic advantages.

Understanding the significance of this radar system requires a look at both its technological underpinnings and its broader impact on defense strategy, manufacturing, and the global radar market. This article examines the historical context, technical enhancements, manufacturing approach, and the implications of RTX’s latest radar breakthrough.

Historical and Technological Context

The APG-82 radar family has its roots in decades of U.S. Air Force modernization, evolving from earlier systems such as the APG-63 and APG-70. The original APG-82 was developed to upgrade the F-15E Strike Eagle fleet, leveraging active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology that had already proven itself in platforms like the Navy’s F/A-18E/F and the F-15C. AESA radars are renowned for their ability to track multiple targets, resist jamming, and offer high reliability due to their solid-state design.

The new APG-82(V)X builds on this legacy by incorporating gallium nitride semiconductors. GaN technology, long recognized as a game-changer in electronic warfare and radar, offers a wider bandgap than traditional materials like gallium arsenide (GaAs) or silicon. This allows for higher voltages, frequencies, and temperatures, directly translating into improved radar performance, especially in terms of range and power efficiency.

Raytheon, now part of RTX, has invested over $200 million and more than 15 years into GaN research and development. This commitment has resulted in proprietary Manufacturing techniques and successful deployment of GaN-based systems across various defense platforms, including the Patriot missile defense system and the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR). The U.S. government has also identified GaN as a strategic material, underlining its importance for national security and technological leadership.

Evolution of AESA Radar and GaN in Defense

AESA radars revolutionized air combat by enabling rapid electronic beam steering, simultaneous multi-target tracking, and robust resistance to electronic countermeasures. The APG-82(V)X, with its GaN-based transmit/receive modules, represents the latest step in this evolution. GaN’s superior power density and efficiency allow for more compact and reliable radars, crucial for Military-Aircraft where space, weight, and cooling are at a premium.

Military adoption of GaN began in earnest with electronic warfare systems and anti-IED jammers, where its broadband capabilities proved invaluable. As the technology matured, its use expanded into high-performance radar systems, providing a critical edge in detection and engagement ranges. The APG-82(V)X is a direct beneficiary of these advances, offering capabilities that were previously unattainable with legacy materials.

Raytheon’s leadership in GaN radar technology is reinforced by its long-standing relationships with the U.S. Department of Defense and allied militaries. The company’s ability to scale GaN production and integrate it into fielded systems provides a significant competitive advantage in the global defense market.

“The enhanced capability of this next-generation radar enables aircrew to detect and engage threats at longer ranges than ever before, providing a crucial first-look, first-shoot advantage.” — Dan Theisen, President, Advanced Products and Solutions, Raytheon

Technical Enhancements and Manufacturing Strategy

The APG-82(V)X radar system’s primary innovation lies in its use of GaN technology. GaN’s wide bandgap (about 3.4 eV, compared to silicon’s 1.2 eV) allows for higher voltage operation, improved efficiency, and better thermal performance. This results in radars that can transmit at higher power levels, extending detection range, without requiring proportionally larger power supplies or cooling systems.

Compared to previous-generation GaAs-based radars, GaN amplifiers can handle 5-10 times more power density and achieve efficiencies of 50-65% (versus 25-40% for GaAs). The APG-82(V)X’s open architecture further ensures compatibility with current and future aircraft, supporting rapid upgrades and integration of new capabilities as threats evolve. Its multi-function design enables air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare missions simultaneously.

Manufacturing of the APG-82(V)X is centered at RTX’s El Segundo, California, facility, with mature production lines in Forest, Mississippi. This approach leverages established processes and a skilled workforce, reducing production risk and supporting predictable Delivery schedules. The modular, scalable design allows for flexible production volumes and easier adaptation for international customers or new platforms.

Processing Power and Operational Flexibility

The APG-82(V)X is equipped with advanced signal processing algorithms and increased processor speed, enabling faster and more accurate target detection and tracking. This is especially critical in contested environments where rapid decision-making can mean the difference between mission success and failure. The radar’s ability to operate in challenging electromagnetic environments ensures continued effectiveness against sophisticated threats, including cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems.

Its open architecture not only supports current mission requirements but also allows for integration with artificial intelligence and machine learning tools in the future. This positions the radar to adapt to emerging threats and operational concepts, such as multi-domain operations and networked warfare, where information sharing and rapid response are paramount.

RTX’s investment in GaN manufacturing infrastructure ensures a reliable supply chain for these critical components, supporting both domestic and international demand. The company’s vertical integration, from R&D to manufacturing, provides control over quality and intellectual property, further strengthening its market position.

“GaN technology enables military radars to operate at much higher frequencies and powers, while being used in jammers that allow aircraft to fly undetected.” — Colin Humphreys, Professor of Physics, Cambridge University

Market Impact and Strategic Applications

The APG-82(V)X enters a market characterized by robust growth in GaN semiconductor devices. The global market for GaN components was valued at over $3 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $12 billion by 2030, with defense and aerospace as major drivers. In the U.S., the market for GaN devices is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 26% through 2030, fueled by military modernization and increased demand for high-performance radar and electronic warfare systems.

RTX’s financial strength underpins its ability to invest in and deliver advanced technologies. With 2024 sales of $80.7 billion and a $218 billion backlog (including $93 billion in defense), the company is well positioned to support large-scale production and sustainment of the APG-82(V)X. The U.S. Air Force’s $3.12 billion, 15-year Contracts for APG-82 systems underscores the military’s commitment to this technology platform.

The APG-82(V)X is primarily intended for the F-15EX Eagle II, a key element of the U.S. Air Force’s fleet modernization. Its enhanced capabilities, greater range, faster processing, and multi-mission flexibility, are designed to counter advanced threats in highly contested environments. The radar’s scalability and open architecture also make it attractive for international customers, with foreign military sales channels already established.

Competitive Landscape and Future Development

The AESA radar market is moderately concentrated, with RTX, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin holding significant shares. RTX’s advantage lies in its proprietary GaN manufacturing and real-time cognitive radar algorithms. The company’s strategy of modular, open-architecture systems ensures continued relevance as new threats and operational concepts emerge.

Future developments are expected to focus on even higher power densities, improved thermal management, and integration with AI for adaptive threat response. RTX and DARPA are already collaborating on next-generation GaN transistors with diamond thermal management, aiming for substantial increases in output power. These innovations will further extend the capabilities of systems like the APG-82(V)X.

Regulatory and export control considerations will continue to shape the market, with GaN technology recognized as a strategic asset. The CHIPS and Science Act and similar policies support domestic semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring supply chain security and technological leadership for U.S. and allied defense programs.

Conclusion

RTX’s unveiling of the APG-82(V)X radar system marks a pivotal advancement in military radar technology. By harnessing the unique properties of gallium nitride, the APG-82(V)X offers unmatched range, efficiency, and operational flexibility, attributes that are essential for maintaining air superiority in an increasingly complex threat environment. The system’s open architecture and modular design ensure that it will remain adaptable to future technological and operational developments.

The broader implications of this development extend beyond immediate military capability. RTX’s leadership in GaN technology strengthens the U.S. defense industrial base, supports high-skilled jobs, and positions the company to capture a significant share of a rapidly growing global market. As military requirements evolve and new threats emerge, sustained Investments in advanced radar and semiconductor technologies will remain essential for national security and allied defense cooperation.

FAQ

What is gallium nitride (GaN) and why is it important for radar?
GaN is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material that allows for higher power, efficiency, and thermal performance compared to traditional materials. In radar systems, this translates to longer detection ranges, better reliability, and more compact designs.

Which aircraft will use the APG-82(V)X radar?
The APG-82(V)X is primarily intended for the F-15EX Eagle II, but its open architecture allows for integration with other current and future military aircraft.

How does the APG-82(V)X compare to previous radars?
The APG-82(V)X offers increased range, faster processing, and enhanced multi-mission capability due to its GaN-based design. It is more efficient and reliable than previous GaAs-based radars.

Is the APG-82(V)X available for international customers?
Yes, the radar’s design and established contract structures allow for foreign military sales to allied nations.

What is the significance of RTX’s manufacturing strategy?
By leveraging established facilities and mature production lines, RTX ensures reliable delivery, scalability, and quality control for the APG-82(V)X program.

Sources: RTX Corporation