Military Technology
RTX Unveils APG82VX Radar with Advanced Gallium Nitride Technology
RTX introduces APG-82(V)X radar featuring gallium nitride tech for enhanced range, speed, and multi-mission flexibility in defense applications.
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
Photo Credit: RTX
Military Technology
Aurora Flight Sciences Advances X-65 with Active Flow Control Integration
Aurora Flight Sciences progresses X-65 development with fuselage arrival, integrating Active Flow Control for DARPA’s CRANE program, targeting late 2027 flight.
This article is based on an official press release from Aurora Flight Sciences, supplemented by industry research data.
Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing subsidiary, has announced a critical milestone in the development of the X-65 experimental aircraft. According to an official company update, the X-65 fuselage has officially arrived at the company’s Virginia facility, marking the transition from major structural assembly to the final systems integration phase. Our teams at AirPro News have been tracking this development, which represents a significant step forward for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) CRANE program.
The CRANE (Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors) program is designed to test Active Flow Control (AFC) technology. This experimental approach aims to replace traditional mechanical flight control surfaces, such as flaps, rudders, and ailerons, with pressurized jets of air. The successful integration of these systems could fundamentally alter aircraft design paradigms that have been in place since the dawn of aviation.
While the fuselage undergoes electrical, propulsion, and AFC systems integration in Virginia, Aurora Flight Sciences confirmed that manufacturing of the wing and tail assemblies is advancing concurrently at their facility in Bridgeport, West Virginia. Following a series of program restructurings, the X-65 is currently slated for its first flight in late 2027.
The Shift to Active Flow Control
Since the Wright Brothers’ first flight, aircraft have relied on moving external panels to steer and maintain stability. The X-65 demonstrator seeks to break this century-old paradigm. Based on DARPA program outlines, the aircraft utilizes 14 distinct effectors embedded across its flying surfaces. Instead of relying on mechanical hinges, these effectors emit steady bursts of pressurized air generated by an onboard auxiliary power unit.
How the X-65 Implements AFC
By manipulating the airflow over the aircraft’s surface, these pressurized jets create aerodynamic “speed bumps” that alter the plane’s pitch, roll, and yaw. To minimize risk during initial testing, the X-65 will be equipped with both conventional moving control surfaces and the experimental AFC actuators.
“The X-65 conventional surfaces are like training wheels to help us understand how AFC can be used in place of traditional flaps and rudders.”
This phased testing strategy, as described by former DARPA CRANE Program Manager Dr. Richard Wlezien, ensures a safe baseline. During successive flight tests, the mechanical controls will be selectively locked down until the aircraft is maneuvering entirely via Active Flow Control.
Manufacturing Progress and Revised Timelines
The transition of the fuselage to the Virginia facility represents a tangible shift from theoretical design to physical integration. However, the journey to this stage has required significant program adjustments. Originally scheduled to roll out and fly in 2025, the X-65 timeline was officially revised to a late 2027 first flight target.
Overcoming Supply Chain and Budget Hurdles
Industry research and DARPA statements indicate that the delay was driven by a combination of engineering challenges, supply chain bottlenecks, and rising costs. DARPA CRANE Program Manager Chris Kent noted the realities of the manufacturing environment.
“We were working through several engineering issues as well as honest-to-goodness supply chain issues,” stated Kent regarding the revised timeline.
To keep the program on an executable path, DARPA and Aurora Flight Sciences finalized a “co-investment” agreement in August 2025. Under this restructured framework, Aurora is investing its own capital to cap costs for the U.S. government. According to Department of Defense FY2026 budget estimates, Aurora was initially awarded a $42 million contract in January 2023. DARPA’s spending on the CRANE program was recorded at $38.3 million in FY2024 and $23.9 million in FY2025, with a projected $4 million allocated for FY2026.
Aircraft Specifications and Future Implications
The uncrewed X-65 is designed to provide flight-test data that is immediately relevant to real-world aircraft design. According to published program specifications, the aircraft features a 30-foot wingspan, a gross weight exceeding 7,000 pounds, and a distinctive, modular diamond-like wing shape. It is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 0.7 (approximately 463 knots). The modularity of the wings allows sections and AFC effectors to be easily swapped out for future aerodynamic testing.
“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,” noted Larry Wirsing, VP of Aircraft Development at Aurora.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful implementation of Active Flow Control as a potential watershed moment for both military and commercial aviation. By eliminating heavy mechanical hinges, hydraulic actuators, and moving parts, manufacturers can significantly reduce an aircraft’s overall weight and mechanical complexity. This naturally leads to lower maintenance costs and improved fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, from a defense perspective, the tactical advantages are substantial. Maneuvering an aircraft without moving control surfaces means the outer mold line of the aircraft remains entirely static during flight. We assess that this capability could drastically reduce an aircraft’s radar cross-section, offering major advancements in stealth technology and survivability for next-generation fighter jets and unmanned aerial systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the X-65?
The X-65 is an experimental, uncrewed aircraft developed by Aurora Flight Sciences for DARPA’s CRANE program. It is designed to test Active Flow Control (AFC) technology.
What is Active Flow Control (AFC)?
AFC is a technology that replaces traditional moving flight control surfaces (like flaps and rudders) with pressurized jets of air to steer and maneuver the aircraft.
When will the X-65 fly?
Following program restructurings and supply chain delays, the X-65 is currently targeted for its first flight in late 2027.
Sources
Photo Credit: Aurora Flight Sciences
Military Technology
Hermeus Flies Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 Advancing Hypersonic Tests
Hermeus completed the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 2.1, validating key systems and progressing toward supersonic capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Hermeus and additional industry data.
Hermeus Completes First Flight of Quarterhorse Mk 2.1, Accelerating Hypersonic Roadmap
On March 2, 2026, Atlanta-based aerospace company Hermeus successfully conducted the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 aircraft at Spaceport America in New Mexico. This milestone marks the company’s second debut of a new vehicle type in just nine months, following the flight of the Quarterhorse Mk 1 in May 2025. The event underscores Hermeus’s commitment to a “hardware-rich” development strategy, prioritizing rapid iteration and physical testing over purely simulation-based engineering.
According to the company’s announcement, the mission was a remotely piloted “shakedown” sortie. The aircraft took off from runway 16/34, flew a predetermined pattern to validate stability, control, and subsystems, and executed a successful landing. While this initial flight remained subsonic, it serves as the foundation for a test campaign designed to push the vehicle past Mach 1 in the near future.
Technical Leap: From Mk 1 to Mk 2.1
The Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 represents a significant escalation in capability compared to its predecessor. While the retired Mk 1 was a smaller demonstrator powered by a GE J85 turbojet, the Mk 2.1 is approximately three times larger and four times heavier, roughly the size of an F-16 fighter jet.
Key technical specifications confirmed by Hermeus include:
- Propulsion: Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100-229 turbofan engine, the same core used in F-15 and F-16 fighters.
- Aerodynamics: Features a delta wing design optimized for higher speeds, replacing the conventional straight wing of the Mk 1.
- Inlet Design: The Mk 2.1 utilizes a simple pitot inlet. The subsequent iteration, Mk 2.2, is slated to integrate a variable-geometry spike inlet and precooler technology required for higher supersonic regimes.
“Speed is the fundamental requirement for our flight systems and for our company. We’re building and flying aircraft on timelines that match the urgency of the world we’re in. Today’s flight kicks off a critical flight test campaign that will ultimately get us to supersonic speeds.”
AJ Piplica, CEO of Hermeus
Strategic Roadmap: The Path to Hypersonic
Hermeus is pursuing a distinct path in the high-speed aviation sector by focusing on air-breathing propulsion rather than rocket power. This approach is essential for developing reusable aircraft capable of operating from standard runways. The Quarterhorse program is structured to incrementally validate the technologies needed for the company’s future flagship vehicles: Darkhorse, a multi-mission hypersonic drone, and Halcyon, a commercial passenger aircraft.
Iterative Development Phases
The company’s roadmap relies on a “Mk” iteration strategy to manage technical risk:
- Mk 1 (Completed 2025): Validated the ability to design, build, and fly a jet from scratch in approximately one year.
- Mk 2 (Current): The Mk 2.1 validates the airframe and F100 engine integration. Future tests with the Mk 2.2 will introduce the complex inlet systems.
- Mk 3 (Future): Will integrate the full “Chimera” turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine, aiming to break the SR-71’s airspeed record of Mach 3.3+.
AirPro News Analysis
The successful flight of the Mk 2.1 places Hermeus in a strong position within the competitive hypersonic landscape of early 2026. While competitors like Stratolaunch have achieved high-Mach test flights using air-launch methods, and Venus Aerospace is advancing rotating detonation rocket engines, Hermeus is carving a niche in autonomous, runway-independent air-breathing systems.
From a defense perspective, the Mk 2 platform offers immediate utility beyond serving as a mere testbed. Industry observers, including reporting by Defense News, suggest that high-speed drones like the Quarterhorse could fill critical gaps in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) or serve as realistic high-speed targets for missile defense systems before the fully hypersonic Darkhorse becomes operational.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 go supersonic on this flight?
No. This initial flight was a subsonic test to validate handling and remote piloting systems. The aircraft is designed to reach speeds up to Mach 1.25 later in its test campaign.
What engine does the Mk 2.1 use?
It uses a Pratt & Whitney F100-229 turbofan, a proven engine found in tactical fighters. It does not yet use the full turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine, which is reserved for later iterations.
What is the difference between Quarterhorse and Darkhorse?
Quarterhorse is a flying testbed designed to validate technology. Darkhorse is the planned multi-mission hypersonic drone intended for national defense applications, targeting speeds of Mach 5.
Sources
Photo Credit: Hermeus
Military Technology
Aurora Flight Sciences Advances Autonomous Flight with ATLAS Program
Aurora Flight Sciences unveils ATLAS, a software architecture accelerating autonomous flight testing for Boeing’s next-gen aircraft platforms.
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
Photo Credit: Aurora Flight Sciences
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