Boeing X-45
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| Boeing X-45A UCAV | ||
|---|---|---|
| Missing image Boeing_X-45A_UCAV.jpg | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle | |
| Crew | 0 | |
| First Flight | May 22, 2002 | |
| Entered Service | ||
| Manufacturer | Boeing Integrated Defense Systems | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | ft in | m |
| Wingspan | ft in | m |
| Height | ft in | m |
| Wing area | ft² | m² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | lb | kg |
| Loaded | lb | kg |
| Maximum takeoff | lb | kg |
| Capacity | ||
| Powerplant | ||
| Engines | ||
| Thrust | lbf | kN |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 500 mph | 800 km/h |
| Combat range | miles | km |
| Ferry range | miles | km |
| Service ceiling | 35,000 ft | 10,500 m |
| Rate of climb | ft/min | m/min |
| Wing loading | lb/ft² | kg/m² |
| Thrust/Weight | ||
| Avionics | ||
| Avionics | ||
The Boeing X-45 UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle) is a concept demonstrator for a next generation of completely autonomous fighter aircraft, developed by Boeing's Phantom Works (a Skunk Works-like division acquired through McDonnell Douglas). The X-45 is part of DARPA's J-UCAS project. Boeing developed the X-45 from research gathered during the development of the Bird of Prey.
Removing the pilot and its associated facilities dramatically reduces the aircraft's cost. Operators may remotely command the aircraft, but the actual piloting is autonomous.
The X-45 features an extremely low-profile dorsal intake placed near the leading edge of the aircraft. The center fuselage is blended into swept lambda wings, with a small exhaust outlet. It has no vertical control surfaces.
The first generation of UCAVs are primarily planned for air-to-ground roles with defensive air-to-air capabilities coupled with significant remote piloting.
On April 18, 2004, the X-45's first bombing run test at Edwards Air Force Base was successful.
Media
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See also
External link
- X-45 Video Collection (http://www.darpa.mil/j-ucas/X-45/videos.htm)
- NASA Dryden X-45A UCAV Photo Collection (http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/gallery/Photo/X-45A/index.html)
- First bombing run test is a success (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4779727/)
- Boeing X-45 Site (http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/x-45/flash.html)
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