Aurora Forges Ahead on Development of Single Cell Machining System

BRIDGEPORT, W.V., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation, a leader in the design and production of specialized unmanned aircraft, announced today that the company has won a USAF Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to complete development of a marketable Single Cell Machining System for fabrication of cylindrical, metallic test specimens.

Aurora Flight Sciences of West Virginia, located in Bridgeport at the Harrison-Marion Regional Airport, leads the effort.

The award shows how West Virginia remains on the leading edge of hot new manufacturing developments. It complements the ongoing work of the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing (RCBI), which is geared to developing and enhancing a quality, capable, just-in-time, manufacturing supplier base for the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as well as commercial markets.

The Byrd Institute, named in honor of the senator who helped establish it, is helping the state's small and medium-size businesses remain competitive by mastering technology. RCBI operates four manufacturing technology centers, including one in Bridgeport.

"This is exciting news for Aurora Flight Sciences and for all of West Virginia," U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-WV, explained. "West Virginians have always measured progress with an eye on the next challenge, the next opportunity. In today's global marketplace, the competition for ideas and talent is fierce.

"To compete, to create powerful economic momentum, we must invest in science and engineering. We must invest in the education and training of our young people, helping them to develop the brain power that will drive the future of our state. And we must create new advanced manufacturing technologies. Aurora Flight Sciences is answering the challenge, and helping to build a brighter future for our state," he added.

The Phase I SBIR effort showed that significant reductions in fabrication time, on the order of 50%, are achievable, and corresponding reductions in cost can be expected. The current phase allows for full-scale development and rate manufacturing trials of the Single Cell Machining System.

"Technology developed through this program will demonstrate to our many current and potential customers that Aurora is not only a world class unmanned aerial system company, but an innovator in the development of state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, allowing Aurora to develop new core competencies needed to compete in today's market," said Aurora Flight Sciences President and CEO John Langford.

During the Phase I program, Aurora developed an initial design for a Single Cell Machining System, demonstrating its feasibility through fabrication of specimens on a prototype system.

Aurora's team includes the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and the Ladish Company. NCDMM has significant experience in the development and integration of machine centers. Ladish currently provides forgings to many Department of Defense contractors.

After it has demonstrated the ability to produce acceptable specimens, the Single Cell Machining System will be shipped to Ladish's Forging Division in Cudahy, WI for rate production trials. The Phase II effort then culminates with delivery to the Air Force Research Laboratory.

About Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences is a leader in unmanned aerial vehicle technology for research, defense and homeland security organizations. For nearly two decades, Aurora Flight Sciences has expanded the limits of unmanned flight through the design and manufacture of innovative aircraft. Aurora specializes in the manufacture of composite and metal aerostructures for manned and unmanned aircraft. Learn more about Aurora Flight Sciences by visiting the company's website at http://www.aurora.aero