Dawn Aerospace Achieves First Civil Supersonic Flight

Dawn Aerospace achieved a historic milestone by conducting the first civilian supersonic flight since the Concorde era with its Mk-II Aurora aircraft on November 12, 2024. The aircraft reached Mach 1.1 and an altitude of 82,500 feet, setting a record for the fastest ascent from ground level to 66,000 feet in 118.6 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by the modified F-15 'Streak Eagle'. CEO Stefan Powell emphasized the potential of rocket-powered aircraft, stating that this achievement confirms the Aurora as the highest climb rate vehicle ever built. The Mk-II Aurora is designed to reach speeds of Mach 3.5 and altitudes of 100 kilometers, enabling applications in atmospheric research and satellite launches. This flight marks a significant step towards developing hypersonic flight capabilities and positions Dawn Aerospace as a leader in the aerospace sector. The company plans to continue testing and develop its technology further from its base in Christchurch, New Zealand.