Aerospace

Northrop Grumman Partners with NASA to Shape Future Integration of Uncrewed Autonomous Systems

Northrop Grumman Corporation is collaborating with NASA to develop and test solutions for integrating large, Uncrewed aircraft systems into the National Airspace System (NAS). The effort will focus on air cargo operations and is part of NASA’s Air Traffic Management-exploration (ATM-X) Path finding for Airspace with Autonomous Vehicles (PAAV) subproject.

Northrop Grumman to Unveil the B-21 Raider(Opens in a new browser tab)

Under this partnership, Northrop Grumman and NASA will develop and test solutions for integrating large Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the national airspace system, with an emphasis on air cargo operations. To support this long-term goal, they will exchange data and information to define technologies and procedures for remotely piloted systems. This work will include coordination with the FAA, flight readiness reviews and development of a test plan for simulations and flight demonstrations.

Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force Introduce the B-21 Raider(Opens in a new browser tab)

Northrop Grumman is a long-standing leader in the development and operations of advanced autonomous systems and future autonomous air capabilities. From rudimentary radio-controlled aircraft to today’s software intensive systems, the company’s aircraft, such as the Global Hawk, are already operating in collaborative environments with crewed aircraft. With technical expertise in military aviation and autonomy, Northrop Grumman developed the first distributed autonomous framework that allows military commanders to control numerous Uncrewed aircraft simultaneously.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.