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Aurora Flight Sciences Orion
Photo: Kirill Borisenko · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
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AuroraFlightSciencesOrion

Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · United States · 2006
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AuroraFlightSciencesOrion

Aurora Flight Sciences Orion
Aurora Flight Sciences Orion Photo: Kirill Borisenko · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Sensor Payload
75
Endurance
85
Operating Altitude
80
Range
85
Data-Link
70
Stealth / Survivability
50
Image Quality
75
Autonomy
65
Technology
80
Cost-Effectiveness
70
Origin United States
CategoryReconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
EraPost-Cold War
In service2006
Operators1 countries
Quantity1
Data Quality82%
75
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones MASS Rating
8/69
Post-Cold War
24/288
All-Time
Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · 10 axes scored
Sensor Payload
75
Endurance
85
Operating Altitude
80
Range
85
Data-Link
70
Stealth / Survivability
50
Image Quality
75
Autonomy
65
Technology
80
Cost-Effectiveness
70
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Aurora Flight Sciences Orion
Production
2006–
Quantity
1
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
8
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
75
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
75
reconnaissance / surveillance drones category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
  • UAV ClassMALE UAV
  • Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
  • First Flight2013
  • Primary RoleISR and Communications relay
  • In ServiceNo
◈Airframe5MOD.5
  • Length15.24 m
  • Wingspan40.234 m
  • Empty Weight2,345.112 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight5,080.32 kg
  • Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant5MOD.5
  • Engine TypeAustro Engine AE300
  • Number of Engines2
  • Engine Power127 kW
  • Electric PropulsionNo
  • Propeller / Configuration3-blade
◇Performance6MOD.6
  • Top Speed222.221 km/h
  • Cruise Speed124.073 km/h
  • Service Ceiling9,144 m
  • Range24,140 km
  • Endurance120
  • Maximum Payload1,179 kg
◆Payload & Sensors6MOD.6
▤Armament4MOD.4
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
▲Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built1
  • Operators0
  • Variants0
◎Service History2MOD.2
  • Production Start2006
  • Operational StatusIn storage
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
  1. 2006Production started
20
years in service
1
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ 1 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries1country
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE5terms
Automatic Takeoff/Landing is a UAV capability that enables a drone to initiate and complete takeoff and landing sequences autonomously using onboard sensors and control software.
A capability enabling drones to relay communication signals between units, extending operational range and maintaining network connectivity in combat environments.
Electro-optical/infrared sensor combining daylight cameras and thermal imagers for real-time target detection, tracking, and identification in military drones.
A communication link between a drone and its control station via satellite relay, enabling beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones entry →