[2][3] DARPA launched the project in mid-2022, wanting a plane that could lift large, heavy loads by skimming the water in ground effect, and capable of operating at mid-altitudes of up to 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Utilizing the ground effect, flying at an altitude equal to 5% of the wingspan can deliver 2.3 times more efficient flight performance.

Their design was a monohull with a high-wing, primarily relying on eight turbine engines; this was similar to Boeing prior Pelican proposal for the military.

[7] Such a craft would be similar in size and capacity to the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III[3] and be able to carry a load equivalent to two U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Combat Vehicles, or six 20-foot storage containers.

Aurora's design uses a traditional flying boat airframe, with a single hull and high wings that angle down at the ends, with floats on the wingtips, and a forked tail to accommodate an aft cargo door.