DARPA Aurora X-65 CRANE | Experimental Active Flow Control Demonstrator

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:00]Powered by a single turbojet engine, it reaches a maximum cruise speed of 467 knots or 865 km/h while operating at a gross weight of 7,000 lb or 3.5 metric tons. It's distinctive diamond-shaped wing and compact 30-ft or 9.14 m wingspan create a unique test bed for studying airflow manipulation. With no passengers on board, every X-65 CRANE mission is fully dedicated to evaluating the flow control techniques that could influence the next generation of military and commercial aircraft. The primary objective of the DARPA CRANE X-65 CRANE is to demonstrate that precise management of airflow across a wing can enhance stability, reduce drag, and enable unconventional aircraft configurations by validating aerodynamic simulations through real-world trials.

[00:00:53]Its projected construction cost is approximately 65 million US dollars.