DARPA launched the project in mid-2022, wanting a plane that could lift large, heavy loads by skimming the water in ground effect, and capable of operating at mid-altitudes of up to . Using the ground effect, flying at an altitude equal to 5% of the wingspan can deliver 2.3 times more efficient flight performance. Such a vehicle would be able to land and take off from the water, making it runway-independent. In February 2023, DARPA awarded contracts to two contractors to develop their own plans. One was
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), partnering with Maritime Applied Physics Corporation. Their design featured a twin hull and a mid-wing, powered by twelve turboshaft engines. The other participant was
Boeing subsidiary
Aurora Flight Sciences, partnering with
Leidos subsidiary
Gibbs & Cox and with Oregon shipyard ReconCraft. Their design was a monohull with a high-wing, primarily relying on eight turbine engines; this was similar to Boeing prior
Pelican proposal for the military. '
twin-fuselage aircraft Liberty Lifter proposal The initial Phase 1 GA-ASI group contract was for about $8 million six months, with an option for another 12 months, potentially growing to a total of $29 million. In July 2023, DARPA exercised options on both teams’ initial proposals, and awarded GA-ASI an additional $21.5 million, and Aurora about $19.5 million, to fund continued development efforts. It should have a ferry range of , while meeting the
United States Department of Defense heavy lift requirements of carrying 90 tons and having a low-cost design and construction philosophy. with a wingspan of 213 ft (65 m) and capable of lifting 50,000 lb (22,680 kg) of cargo. If successful, it will be scaled up to the size of a C-17 with a cargo capacity of 180,000 lb (81,000 kg). In July 2025, DARPA concluded the program would be successful and has transferred its results to industry stakeholders for further development. == See also==