Boeing officially acquires autonomous systems firm Aurora Flight Sciences

WASHINGTON — Boeing has finalized its acquisition of Aurora Flight Sciences, a developer of advanced aerospace platforms and autonomous systems, according to a Boeing news release. The acquisition is expected to benefit Boeing’s unmanned systems business.

Aurora Flight Sciences will function as a subsidiary of Boeing’s engineering, test and technology unit, but will retain operational independence.

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Based in Manassas, Virginia, Aurora specializes in advanced flight-control systems, unmanned aircraft and experimental aircraft development. Defense News previously reported that Aurora founder and CEO John Langford regarded the Boeing acquisition as a way to get the company onto the world stage to further research and development.

Aurora’s president and chief operating officer, Mark Cherry, will become the head of Phantom Works, Boeing’s advanced technology sector. Cherry’s role could potentially include developing technologies to be used for future U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy fighter aircraft bids by Boeing.

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