Centaur Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA)
Product descripton: Centaur Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA) by Aurora Flight Sciences
Centaur’s unique capability to operate as a surrogate uncrewed system, flown from a ground station with an on-board safety pilot, enables cost-effective flight testing in the National Airspace System (NAS). Operated by Aurora’s experienced flight test team and offering a large, flexible payload capacity, Centaur can help accelerate unmanned R&D efforts or train future UAS operators.
Highly Capable Platform
Centaur provides a versatile airborne sensing and testing platform for a range of R&D missions across defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and environmental research. With advanced automation features, Centaur can be operated from Aurora’s remote operating center in Manassas, VA or from a mobile operating center.
Rapid Development and Testing
Centaur is an ideal platform for testing new technologies, including payloads and advanced autonomy. Hybrid flight mode simplifies operations in the National Airspace System (NAS), minimizing costly deployments to remote test sites and enabling quick progression from development to flight test.
Reliable and Cost-Effective
Based on a certified twin-engine general aviation aircraft, Centaur offers a high degree of safety and redundancy, along with exceptional range, high efficiency, and low life-cycle cost.
Technical specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA) |
| Operating Modes | Piloted, Remotely Piloted, Hybrid |
| Control | Ground station control |
| Endurance | 16 hours; up to 20 hours with minimal payload |
| Operational Range | Up to 2,000 nautical miles |
| Loiter Speed | 85 knots |
| Cruise Speed | 135–160 knots |
| Maximum Altitude | Up to 25,000 ft |
| Payloads (Example Configuration) | EO/IR camera; Maritime surveillance radar; Automatic Identification System (AIS) |
| Payload Power | Maximum 5.6 kW |
| Sensor Role | ISR payload testing and evaluation |
| Data Link Testing Altitude | 4,500 ft – 7,500 ft |
| Communications Suite | Dual LOS IP data links; UHF/VHF radios; ADS-B transponder with IFF |