Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Liberty Lifter seaplane aims to transform fast logistics missions while also providing sea-based search, rescue and disaster response. Phase 1 of this DARPA project sports a 213-foot wingspan and is capable of transporting up to 50,000 pounds of cargo.
The Liberty Lifter demonstrator will be able to operate in standard flight at altitudes up to 10,000 ft and in ground effect very close to the surface of the ocean, thus extending its non-refueled range. The technologies demonstrated and tested on the X-plane can be used on future aircraft with cargo capacity similar to that of a C-17 (180,000 pounds). Phase 2 is set to include continued development leading up to critical design review, while Phase 3, projected to begin in 2026, involves manufacturing the demonstrator followed by flight testing starting in 2028.
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Liberty Lifter fills a critical gap between today’s airlift and maritime transport capabilities. Development in this space will advance strategic operations at sea, and we’re proud to be working with DARPA, Boeing, and our partners to move this technology forward,” said Mike Caimona, president and CEO of Aurora Flight Sciences.
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