MSU’s Raspet collaborates with Aurora Flight Sciences, advancing UAS capabilities for first responders
Contact: Claire Wilson
STARKVILLE, Miss —Mississippi State’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory’s partnership with Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences is advancing unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, for emergency response operations beyond the visual line of sight.
The effort focuses on testing Aurora’s 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’s 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.
“By 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,” said Raspet research engineer Brady Swann. “Success in this area would drastically increase the effectiveness of unmanned aircraft in saving lives during emergencies.”
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.
“This 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,” added Raspet Director Bryan Farrell. “Developing the safety case for BVLOS operations is a critical step in unlocking the full potential of UAS for public safety.”
Raspet is the nation’s leading academic research center dedicated to the advancement of UAS. As part of MSU’s 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 https://www.raspet.msstate.edu/.
Aurora Flight Sciences is a leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles. Aurora’s 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 www.aurora.aero/small-uas/
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.