Flyer Øne Program To Develop Digital-First Drone

Istari Digital announced that a modified version of the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® X-56A is on track to become the world's first-ever digitally-certified aircraft.

Istari had announced in September 2023 that the U.S. Air Force awarded it the pioneering contract to develop the aircraft and secure its airworthiness certification, through Military Flight Release, of a digital aircraft using state-of-the-art digital engineering processes. The company had kept the specifics of their aircraft and industry partners under wraps. The project was called Flyer Øne in homage to the Wright Brothers.

Dr. Will Roper, Istari Digital’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer said at the time, “The United States Air Force is leading the charge on digital transformation in defense. Certification is the next step to increase digital engineering rigor and transform the industry: Flyer Øne is the needed mechanism - the Kitty Hawk moment.”

The goal of the program was to create and flight certify a digital twin before it’s physically built, to pave the way for future aircraft development to mirror the rapid pace of software engineering.

The company finally shared the news about the aircraft.

 "Having just passed a major Design Review, we're thrilled to announce the modification of the Skunk Works X-56A is on track to achieve the first digital flight release," Roper said. "The United States Air Force X-Plane program has a storied history of breaking physical boundaries—from the sound barrier to sub-orbital flight. Now, they're breaking digital barriers too."

The X-56A was developed by Skunk Works as an advanced uncrewed aerial vehicle designed to push the envelope of high altitude endurance flight. Istari’s Flyer Øne design features significant mods to the landing gear systems, cameras, and obsolescence issues. A member of the Skunk Works team said that in many respects the Flyer Øne is a simpler variant of the original aircraft.

FMI:  www.istaridigital.com/