Draft:Centauri Aircraft Company, Inc.

Centauri Aircraft Company, Inc. is a manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, located at the Hayward Executive Airport in Hayward, California, United States. It is the manufacturer of the Valkyrie aircraft, a Canard (aeronautics) design aircraft.

2005-2008
Preliminary Design & Studies

The concept for the Valkyrie aircraft originated from David Loury's interest in aviation and automotive designs. Loury, a Georgia Tech Aerospace Engineering graduate, was employed at Airbus and other aerospace subcontractors during this period. His goal was to design a private aircraft that was both accessible and affordable, drawing inspiration from his professional experiences.

2008-2009
Company Founding in France

In 2008, David Loury established a company named Cobalt in Paris, France, with financial backing from a group of local investors. Despite limited seed funding, the company managed to produce a first mockup within two years by collaborating with Eastern European contractors who provided expertise in wet layup composites and mold making.

2010
First Public Appearance

The Valkyrie aircraft made its debut at the Oshkosh 2010 Tradeshow, despite still being under development. This event allowed the company to gauge public interest and refine its market strategy during the lengthy development process typical of aviation innovations.

2011-2013
Canadian Type Certification Effort

Following its public unveiling, Cobalt accepted an offer to establish research and development (R&D) and manufacturing operations at Bagotville Canadian Air Force Base (CYBG) in Quebec. The company built a new 18,000 sqft facility, hired a local workforce, and forged industrial partnerships. Cobalt submitted an application for a Type Certificate to Transport Canada, which led to several technical presentations and improvements to the aircraft's design and production methods.

2014
Relocation to California

The company chose California for its new headquarters due to the state's history of innovation in aviation and favorable conditions for experimental aircraft development. The move facilitated closer collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local aerospace experts.

2015
First Flight

The first flight of the Valkyrie was conducted by renowned pilot Mark "Forger" Stucky on January 10, 2015, at Castle Airport in Atwater, CA. This flight marked a significant milestone in the aircraft's development process, which had been supported by over 100 engineers working to meet Part 23 compliance requirements.

2016-2017
Settling in Hayward, California

As the company expanded its shareholder base, it faced challenges in managing a diverse group of investors. Nonetheless, the company continued to push forward, establishing its presence in Hayward, a hub in the San Francisco Bay Area known for its technological innovations.

2018-2019
Formation of Centauri

The company, now known as Centauri, continued to evolve, focusing on improving the reliability and industrialization of its aircraft. This period was marked by the construction of additional prototypes and the forging of significant customer relationships.

2020-2022
Air Force Pilots & Production Ramp-Up

The company benefited from the involvement of elite experimental test pilots from the US Air Force and Marines, who contributed to refining the aircraft's performance through extensive data collection and testing.

2023
Creation of a Flight Ops Department

Centauri established a Flight Operations Department in Hollister, CA, focusing on frequent test flights, pilot training, and demonstration flights. This department played a key role in maintaining regular operations and achieving new milestones in aircraft performance and safety.

2024
Continued Development and Safety Record

The company maintained its commitment to rigorous testing and development, sustaining a spotless safety record. As Centauri continued to attract early adopters, it cemented its reputation in the highly demanding aviation industry.

Aircraft
The Valkyrie aircraft is a high-power single-engine, Canard (aeronautics) design, four- to five-seater (depending on versions), positioned for the high-end elite market. In August 2020 there were two Valkyrie registered in the United States with the Federal Aviation Administration. One was built in 2014 and owned by the then defunct previous manufacturer, Cobalt Aircraft, and flagged by the FAA as "this aircraft's registration status may not be suitable for operation". The second aircraft was built in 2018 and is registered to a private company.