Aerospace

US AirForce Successfully completes first flight with XQ-58A Valkyrie using AI

The Air Force Research Laboratory successfully oversaw a three-hour sortie on July 25 to demonstrate the first flight of artificial intelligence algorithms developed by AFRL and trained using machine learning on an XQ-58A Valkyrie in order to lower the risk associated with the development and maturation of artificial intelligence capabilities.

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In the Eglin Test and Training Complex, test aircraft conducted the flight. The Skyborg Vanguard and Autonomous Aircraft Experimentation (AAx) programmes launched a four-year partnership that culminated in the flight.

According to Col. Tucker Hamilton, head of DAF AI Test and Operations, “the mission proved out a multi-layer safety framework on an AI/ML-flown uncrewed aircraft and demonstrated an AI/ML agent solving a tactically relevant “challenging problem” during airborne operations.” “This sortie formally enables the ability to develop AI/ML agents that will execute contemporary air-to-air and air-to-surface skills that are immediately transferrable to other autonomy programmes.”

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The Autonomous Air Combat Operations group at AFRL was responsible for creating the algorithms. The algorithms were developed during millions of hours of high-fidelity simulation, X-62 VISTA sorties, hardware-in-the-loop experiments with the XQ-58A, and ground test operations.

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.