Dawn Aerospace has been authorized by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to operate its Aurora Mk-II vehicle at any speed (including supersonic) and up to an altitude of 80,000 feet. This authorization facilitates operations beyond direct line of sight without requiring specialized airspace areas.
The Aurora Mk-II, a rocket-powered aircraft, is designed to be the first aircraft to reach the frontier of space, at 100 km altitude, twice in the same day. Its low-cost, rapid reusability-oriented design makes it an ideal solution for multiple uses, such as microgravity research and earth observation, for both civil and defense applications.
Dawn Aerospace’s first successful flight in March. Source: Dawn Aerospace.
According to Stefan Powell, the company’s chief executive officer, the certification marks a crucial step toward the goal of supersonic flight for the Mk-II. “This could be the first privately funded UAV to break the sound barrier,” Powell noted.
Strategic partnership for Dawn Aerospace
Achieving this certification is the result of intensive collaborative work between Dawn Aerospace, the CAA, the New Zealand Space Agency, Airways, and other local airspace users. This alliance has enabled the safe integration of these high-tech vehicles with air operations. existing air operations. operations.
Since its maiden flight in July 2021, the Aurora Mk-II has performed 50 test flights using both jet and rocket propulsion, using both jet and rocket propulsion, under previously more stringent regulations. “This certification reflects the tireless effort and dedication of our team to meet the CAA’s performance expectations,” Powell added.
Speed and altitude targets with the Aurora Mk-II
The Mk-II is poised to challenge current limits, aiming to set new records in speed, altitude and climb for a self-propelled aircraft.
At full performance, the Mk-II will fly faster and higher than any other runway-launched aircraft, surpassing even the SR-71 Blackbird.
Powell explained.
Since its most recent flights in 2023, where it reached 200 knots and 9,000 feet, the Mk-II has undergone numerous improvements and rigorous testing. The latest test verified all vehicle systems, including the engine’s ability to restart after 60 seconds of operation.
The next series of flight tests, scheduled between July and September, contemplates up to a dozen flights, with the goal of reaching Mach 1.1 speed and 70,000 feet altitude. An additional goal is to achieve two flights in a single day to demonstrate its rapid reusability.
Powell concluded by expressing his gratitude to all New Zealand agencies and airspace users for their continued support in the quest for more sustainable and scalable space transportation.
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Source and photo: dawnaerospace