Boeing 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.