Aevum presented Rawn X, the largest unmanned aircraft to date, intended as a first stage for launching small payloads into low orbit.
The aircraft was rolled out on December 3, 2020. According to the company, it is designed to deliver satellites to space as fast as every three hours and can carry a reusable two-stage rocket with up to 500 kilograms of cargo.
The company will start ground testing now, aiming to get flight certification and start operations within 18 months.
According to the press release, Rawn X has a length of approximatelly 24 meters (80 feet) and a wingspan of approximatelly 18 meters (60 feet), becoming the largest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), yet being considerably smaller than all current aerial launch platforms.
The company presents full autonomy, fast turnaround time and high reusability as its main features, claiming to be able to shorten lead time of launches from years to minutes.
Representatives of the United States military were present at the unveiling, as Aevum already has contracts with the U.S. Space Force and other branches totaling over $1 billion.
It was not revealed when the maiden flight of Rawn X is planned