Aurora Flight Sciences is developing a revolutionary aircraft, the X-65, that utilizes active flow control (AFC) to maneuver without traditional flaps and rudders. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize both military and commercial aviation. The X-65, part of DARPA’s CRANE program, is equipped with 14 AFC effectors that emit jets of pressurized air, shaping airflow over the aircraft’s surface for precise control. This design eliminates the need for external moving parts, reducing weight, complexity, and improving performance. The unpiloted demonstrator, with a 30-foot wingspan and a weight of 7,000 pounds, will undergo ground testing and flight testing in 2025. The X-65’s modular construction allows for testing various wing designs and AFC effectors, providing valuable data for future aircraft advancements.