Watch: Mk-II Aurora Sets New Supersonic Milestone for Kiwi Aviation
Dawn Aerospace, a multinational aerospace company, has shattered records and achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the supersonic flight of its Mk-II Aurora rocket-powered aircraft. This historic achievement, conducted on November 12, 2024, at Glentanner Aerodrome near Aoraki Mt Cook, has placed New Zealand at the forefront of advanced aerospace technology.
The Mk-II Aurora became the fastest aircraft to climb from ground level to 20 km (66,000 feet), completing the ascent in an astonishing 118.6 seconds. This feat surpasses the previous record held by the F-15 “Streak Eagle” by 4.2 seconds. Additionally, the Aurora achieved a maximum altitude of 82,500 feet, setting a new high for aircraft flown from New Zealand and exceeding test targets of Mach 1.05 and 75,000 feet.
Redefining Supersonic Flight
Powered by pure rocket propulsion, the Mk-II Aurora has a thrust-to-weight ratio 20 times higher than traditional jet engines, enabling it to reach speeds of Mach 3.5 and altitudes of up to 100 km—marking the edge of space. These groundbreaking capabilities make the Aurora ideal for applications such as:
Microgravity research
Atmospheric science
Earth observation
Testing high-speed flight technologies
Stepping Toward Hypersonic Travel
“This achievement highlights the immense potential of rocket-powered aircraft to achieve performance never seen before,” said Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace. With the successful completion of this milestone, the Aurora program is set to pave the way for operational hypersonic aircraft, transforming aviation and daily space access.
Under the newly branded Dawn Hypersonics, the company will focus on advancing hypersonic technology, with plans to commence commercial payload operations in the coming months.
A New Era for New Zealand Aerospace
Dawn Aerospace’s success underscores New Zealand’s emergence as a global hub for aerospace testing and hypersonic research. The vast open skies and test ranges of the South Pacific offer unique opportunities for innovation.
“We are grateful to the New Zealand Government and people for their support in helping us achieve this important milestone,” Powell said. “This accomplishment positions New Zealand at the forefront of a new frontier in aviation.”
A Vision for the Future
Dawn Aerospace’s ambitious goal is to redefine aviation with sustainable, high-performance, rocket-powered aircraft. As the company continues research and development in Christchurch, New Zealand, it aims to deliver daily space access and revolutionary advancements in hypersonic travel for international markets.
“We are immensely proud of our team. They thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and are the true superheroes of this story,” Powell added.
Dawn Aerospace’s historic supersonic flight of the Mk-II Aurora represents a giant leap in aviation and space exploration. By breaking records and pioneering hypersonic technology, the company is not only reshaping the aerospace industry but also elevating New Zealand’s role in this exciting new era of innovation.