Data Quality82%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Aurora Flight Sciences Orion
Country
Production
2006–
Quantity
1
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · POST-COLD WAR
8
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
75
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ 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
- EO/IR SensorYes
- SAR / GMTI RadarNo
- SIGINT PayloadYes
- Laser DesignatorNo
- Sensor Payload Weight454 kg
- Comms RelayYes
▤Armament4MOD.4
- ArmedNo
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload0 kg
- Air-to-Ground MissilesNo
⬢Control & Autonomy5MOD.5
- Control Typeremote pilot with ground control
- Satellite (BLOS) LinkYes
- Autonomous CapableNo
- Swarming CapableNo
- Automatic Takeoff/LandingYes
▲Production3MOD.3
- Total Built1
- Operators0
- Variants0
◎Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start2006
- Operational StatusIn storage
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANRetired
- 2006Production started
20
years in service
1
units produced
0
countries operating
ⓘ 1 countries retired it.
05 / MASS Score
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES RANKING Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
24RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES8POST-COLD WAR · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES525UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS170PERFORMANCE/PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
ⓘ Rankings are within theReconnaissance / Surveillance Dronescategory.
📖 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