Advocacy / Member News
Boeing Awards MicroPilot New Contract to Develop Software Enhancements for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Boeing Awards MicroPilot New Contract to Develop Software Enhancements for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Stony Mountain, Manitoba-based company to work with Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences to develop and test software on Aurora’s SKIRON-X aircraft.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Sep. 10, 2024– Boeing (NYSE: BA) signed a contract with MicroPilot, a world leader in professional 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 flight, 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.”
Aurora uses MicroPilot’s autopilot and ground control software within its commercial sUAS product line. This new contract is an investment in Canadian innovation enabling 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 important investment framework project will result in new software developer and flight-testing positions, all at MicroPilot’s head office in Stony Mountain, Manitoba.
More than 500 Boeing suppliers spanning every region of Canada make the country home to one of Boeing’s largest international supplier bases. Canadian partners provide parts for all Boeing commercial airplane models and nearly all defense programs. Boeing has a more than 100-year partnership with Canada and contributes more than $4 billion annually in economic benefits, supporting over 14,000 Canadian jobs, according to Ottawa-based Doyletech Corporation.
About MicroPilot
Started in 1994, MicroPilot is the world leader in professional autopilots for UAVs and drones. MicroPilot is an ISO 9001 certified autopilot manufacturer that markets single-board autopilots, enclosed autopilots, and a triple redundant autopilot. MicroPilot offers a family of lightweight UAV autopilots that can fly fixed wing, transitional, helicopter, and multirotor UAVs. MicroPilot also provides complementary products such as the XTENDERmp, SDK, and trueHWIL2. MicroPilot has worked with more than 1,500 customers in 100 countries. Learn more at www.micropilot.com.
About Aurora Flight Sciences
Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, advances the future of flight by developing and applying innovations across aircraft configurations, autonomous systems, propulsion technologies, and manufacturing processes. With a passionate and agile team, Aurora delivers solutions to its customers’ toughest challenges while meeting high standards of safety and quality. Learn more at www.aurora.aero.
Contact:
Howard Loewen, CEO
MicroPilot
204-818-0598
[email protected]
Carmen Smith, Director, Marketing & Communications
Aurora Flight Sciences, A Boeing Company
703-705-9979
[email protected]
About CADSI
The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is the national industry voice of more than 650 Canadian defence, security and cybersecurity companies that produce world-class goods, services and technologies made across Canada and sought the world over. The industries contribute to the employment of more than 78,000 Canadians and generate $12.6 billion in annual revenues, roughly half of which come from exports. To learn more, visit defenceandsecurity.ca and follow us on Twitter at @CadsiCanada .
Media Inquiries
Please direct all media inquiries to:
Tel: +1 613-235-5337 x43
The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries
251 Laurier Ave. West, Suite 300 Ottawa, ON, K1P 5J6
