Boeing X-45

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Image:Boeing X-45A UCAV.jpg The Boeing X-45 Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) 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 manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems and is part of DARPA's J-UCAS project.

1 Development
2 Media
3 References
4 External links
5 Related content

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Development

Image:Airshowfan-dot-com--by-Bernardo-Malfitano--Image-of-X45C-mockup-at-Nellis-05.jpg Image:Airshowfan-dot-com--by-Bernardo-Malfitano--Image2-of-X45C-mockup-at-Nellis-05.jpg Boeing developed the X-45 from research gathered during the development of the Bird of Prey. 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 wing, with a small exhaust outlet. It has no vertical control surfaces - split ailerons near each wingtip function as asymmetric air brakes, providing rudder control, much as in Northrop's flying wings.

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.

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Models

Boeing built two of the model X-45A, both were scaled-down proof-of-concept aircraft. The larger X-45B design was modified to have even more fuel capacity and three times greater combat range, becoming the X-45C. Each wing's leading edge spans from the nose to the wingtip, giving the aircraft more wing area, very similar to the B-2 Spirit. The first of the three planned X-45C aircraft should be completed in 2006, with capability demonstrations scheduled for early 2007. By 2010 Boeing hopes to complete an autonomous aerial refueling of the X-45C by a KC-135 Stratotanker. Boeing has displayed a mock-up of the X-45C on static displays at many airshows.

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Funding

The X-45C portion of the program received $767 million from DARPA in October, 2004, to construct and test three aircraft, along with several supplemental goals. In July, 2005 DARPA awarded an additional $175 million to continue the program, as well as implement Autonomous Aerial Refueling technology.[1]

As of March 2nd, 2006, the US Air Force has decided not to continue with the X-45 project. However, Boeing is looking at using the X-45 for aircraft landings with the US Navy. [2]

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Operation

The X-45A had its first flight on May 22, 2002. 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-45A's first bombing run test at Edwards Air Force Base was successful.

On February 4, 2005, on their 50th flight, the two X-45As took off into a patrol pattern and were then alerted to the presence of a target. The X-45As then autonomously determined which vehicle held the optimum position, weapons, and fuel load to properly attack the target. After making that decision, one of the X-45As changed course and the pilot-operator allowed it to attack the simulated ground-based radar. Following a successful strike, another simulated threat emerged and was subsequently destroyed by the second X-45A. This demonstrated the ability of these vehicles to autonomously work as a team and manage their resources, as well as to fly themselves to previously-undetected targets, which is significantly harder than following a predetermined attack path.

Boeing will deliver the first of its new X45 pilotless bombers in March 2006. Template:X-planes

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