桃花直播鈥檚 Raspet collaborates with Aurora Flight Sciences, advancing UAS capabilities for first responders
Contact: Claire Wilson
STARKVILLE, Miss 鈥桃花直播 State鈥檚 Raspet Flight Research Laboratory鈥檚 partnership with Boeing鈥檚 Aurora Flight Sciences is advancing unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, for 桃花直播 response operations beyond the visual line of sight.
The effort focuses on testing Aurora鈥檚 SKIRON-X, a state-of-the-art UAS platform featuring vertical take-off and landing capabilities and endurance of more than three hours. Raspet researchers have flown SKIRON-X over the last several months, providing extensive flight logs and pilot feedback to Aurora to help refine the platform for first responders while shaping the concepts of operation for the aircraft.
This collaboration aims to support first responders by developing a process manual to help navigate the Federal Aviation Administration鈥檚 beyond visual line of sight, or BVLOS, waiver process. Current FAA regulations limit UAS operations within visual range of the flight crew which can significantly reduce the effectiveness of drones during time-critical missions such as search and rescue.
鈥淏y building the safety case for a simulated search and rescue mission, Raspet is demonstrating how UAS like the SKIRON-X can safely and efficiently conduct BVLOS operations,鈥 said Raspet research engineer Brady Swann. 鈥淪uccess in this area would drastically increase the effectiveness of unmanned aircraft in saving lives during emergencies.鈥
The insights gathered through this partnership not only advance UAS technology but also ensure platforms like SKIRON-X are refined and user-friendly for deployment in life-saving missions.
鈥淭his collaboration with Aurora has provided Raspet with the opportunity to test a cutting-edge UAS platform while working toward a solution that will advance the impact of UAS integration into first responder mission sets,鈥 added Raspet Director Bryan Farrell. 鈥淒eveloping the safety case for BVLOS operations is a critical step in unlocking the full potential of UAS for public safety.鈥
Raspet is the nation鈥檚 leading academic research center dedicated to the advancement of UAS. As part of 桃花直播鈥檚 longstanding tradition of aerospace innovation, Raspet conducts applied research to support government, industry and academic partners in advancing the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace. For more information, visit .
Aurora Flight Sciences is a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles. Aurora鈥檚 innovations continue to shape the future of flight by creating technology solutions that expand the capabilities of aircraft across defense, commercial, and public safety applications. For more information, visit
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