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Boeing Completes Eight-Hour Flight of A160T Hummingbird
St. Louis MO (SPX) Sep 28, 2007 Boeing has successfully flown its A160T Hummingbird unmanned rotorcraft Sept. 26 for eight hours while carrying a 1,000-pound payload. During its longest flight to date and the program's 42nd flight overall, the aircraft reached an altitude of 5,000 feet near Victorville, Calif. The half-ton payload simulated the delivery of critical supplies to the battlefield. Future payloads will include a combination of sensors, weapons and systems to perform a variety of missions. "This is a major milestone for Boeing, the A160 program and unmanned rotorcraft," said Jim Martin, Boeing A160T program manager. "The ability to carry a 1,000-pound payload and fly for that duration puts the A160T in a category by itself." Since its first flight in June, the A160T has logged several additional flights, including a five-hour flight on Aug. 29. Ultimately, Boeing plans to fly the aircraft for 18 consecutive hours with a 300-pound payload. The A160T, a turbine-powered version of the innovative piston-powered A160 helicopter, features unmatched range, endurance, payload and altitude for an unmanned rotorcraft. The flexible payload module can carry supplies or retrieve downed personnel. The aircraft used during the tests is the second of 11 A160Ts Boeing Advanced Systems is building for the Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency. The Hummingbird features a unique optimum speed rotor technology that significantly improves overall performance efficiency by adjusting the rotor's speed at different altitudes, gross weights and cruise speeds. The autonomous unmanned aircraft, measuring 35 feet long with a 36-foot rotor diameter, eventually will fly more than 140 knots with a ceiling of 25,000 to 30,000 ft. (high hover capability up to 15,000 ft.) for up to 20 hours. Operational A160Ts will be capable of persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; target acquisition; direct action; communication relay and precision re-supply missions. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Integrated Defense Systems UAV News - Suppliers and Technology
Lockheed Martin Awarded B-1B Sniper Pod Contract
Orlando FL (SPX) Sep 26, 2007Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $2.8 million follow-on contract by the Boeing to support full Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) functionality on the U.S. Air Force B-1B aircraft. Integration activities began in June 2007. This contract follows on the heels of highly successful B-1B Sniper demonstration flights in January 2007 involving live weapon drops. Sniper ATP's low drag, extended range performance and high reliability make it exceptionally well-tailored for the B-1B. |
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