Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences recently unveiled a breakthrough in the development of the Liberty Lifter , a seaplane designed to operate at sea and transport large payloads at high speed. This innovative concept combines the advantages of maritime navigation with the speed of air transport , all without the need for infrastructure such as runways or ports.
The program, backed by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), aims to build a large-wing aircraft capable of operating over the ocean and carrying up to 50,000 pounds of cargo . The Liberty Lifter flies in ground effect, allowing it to hover at low altitude over the sea surface, increasing its efficiency and range.
The aircraft combines the scale of a ship with the speed of an airplane. Source: Aurora Flight Sciences
High-level technological collaboration for the Liberty Lifter
Aurora has partnered with Gibbs & Cox, a renowned naval engineering firm, to develop an amphibious aircraft that can take off and land in harsh maritime conditions . The team is currently conducting key tests to validate flight and navigation capabilities at sea, with a view to starting prototype manufacturing in 2026.
According to Aurora CEO Mike Caimona, the Liberty Lifter will “fill a crucial gap between air and sea transportation,” boosting offshore rescue and disaster response capabilities.
With trials planned until 2028, the future of heavy-duty transport seems to be increasingly close to the water.
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Source and photo: Aurora Flight Sciences