Boeing awards software contract to MicroPilot
September 14, 2024
By EP&T Magazine
Deal to support further advancement of autopilot and ground control platform
Boeing signed a contract with MicroPilot, involved in UAV autopilots, to support the further advancement of MicroPilot’s autopilot and ground control software. This contract is an Investment Framework Agreement under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy with MicroPilot Inc. As part of the agreement, Aurora Flight Sciences (Aurora), a Boeing company, will deliver two SKIRON-X small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to MicroPilot. SKIRON-X, which combines vertical take-off and landing capabilities with long-endurance fixed-wing flights, will serve as a platform for accelerating MicroPilot’s customer-centric software development plans.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Aurora on this innovative and pioneering aircraft,” said, Howard Loewen, CEO, at MicroPilot. “Our shared passion to bring cutting-edge technologies to life in the service of our aerospace customers is a hallmark of our partnership.”
SKIRON-X sUAS photo was provided by Aurora Flight Sciences.
Aurora uses MicroPilot’s autopilot and ground control software within its commercial sUAS product line. This new contract is an investment to try and enable further collaboration between the two companies. “Aurora is excited to continue collaborating with MicroPilot,” said Jason Grzywna, Senior Director of Products at Aurora. “Our SKIRON-X eVTOL UAS is the ideal platform to accelerate the development and modernization of avionics and software for SUAS.
“Boeing’s investment in Manitoba’s MicroPilot underscores our government’s commitment to advancing innovation and economic prosperity. By supporting the further advancement of MicroPilot’s autopilot and ground control software, Boeing is enhancing Canadian aerospace capability and creating high-value jobs. Through the application of the Industrial and Technological Benefits policy, the government aims to ensure Canada remains a global leader in the aerospace industry,” said, The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
This investment framework project will result in new software developer and flight-testing positions, all at MicroPilot’s head office in Stony Mountain, Manitoba.