Aurora Flight Sciences announced today that its "Centaur" aircraft has received a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA.

The Centaur product is being developed as an Optionally-Piloted Aircraft that can safely fly as a FAA-certificated aircraft for operations inside the National Airspace System with the ability to be reconfigured for robotic, unmanned operations when extended performance is needed or when operations are too dangerous for manned aircraft.

Centaur is based on the Diamond DA42 general aviation aircraft. The DA42 is a four-place aircraft powered by two diesel engines.

"Receipt of the Experimental ticket is a significant step forward for the Centaur program," said Tom Clancy, Aurora's Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "This will allow us to begin the flight test program in the near future."

Development of the Centaur began in 2009. First deliveries are available in 2011.