Aurora Flight Sciences embarked on the development of an experimental
X-plane, as part of the DARPA's CRANE programme, in November 2020.
Wind tunnel testing was also conducted in
San Diego,
California, in May 2022. DARPA allocated funds for the detailed engineering design of a full-scale X-plane in December 2022. Aurora Flight Sciences was commissioned to construct a full-scale X-plane in January 2024. == Acronym ==