Aurora Skate Wins Massachusetts Technology Product Award
November 10, 2010) – On November 3rd, Aurora Flight Sciences’ Skate small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) was selected as the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC) “Product of the Year.” In a special live audience vote, the Skate system beat out 15 other finalists from fields as diverse as smartphone applications and solid state lighting to be named as the most exciting new product in the thirteenth year of the Mass Technology Leadership Awards.
Made of ruggedized foam, Aurora’s Skate is a 1 kilogram all-electric SUAS with a unique airframe design that allows it to pack into a standard military pack with room to spare. Skate brings “over the hill” surveillance to the individual war fighter or law enforcement team. Skate is equipped with an electro-optical video payload and an infrared camera is available for nighttime missions. Skate is targeted to support squad-level Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) missions, merging the simplicity and endurance of a fixed wing platform with the maneuverability and mission flexibility of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle. “We are honored to be acknowledged by an organization who is so dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and which annually promotes and recognizes innovation,” stated George Kiwada, Program Manager for SUAS.
