DARPA delays Liberty Lifter heavy-duty seaplane launch to 2029

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, has been developing a heavy-duty seaplane known as the Liberty Lifter, with active works ongoing since at least 2023. Initially, two designs were considered, but DARPA has selected the design presented by Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company. This aircraft is intended to merge the transport capabilities of a ship with the speed typical of an aircraft. Based on original project requirements from 2022, the Liberty Lifter is designed to carry the equivalent weight of two U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicles, which could lead to significant advancements in military logistics and operations, particularly in the vast and remote regions of the Pacific. However, due to evolving technical challenges and the need for thorough design and demonstration processes, the maiden flight of the Liberty Lifter has been pushed back to fiscal year 2029, a delay from the previous expectation of 2027 or 2028. This long-range craft is engineered for operations at varying altitudes over water, a crucial aspect given the military's increasing focus on littoral operations and the potential for future conflicts in the Pacific region. Besides military applications, DARPA envisions the aircraft being useful in search and rescue operations and humanitarian assistance. The lack of infrastructure in remote areas of the Pacific compromises traditional logistics support, and the Liberty Lifter could significantly enhance response times in emergencies.