Boeing shows off Phantom Eye UAV demo

The unmanned Phantom Eye aircraft from Boeing – sci-fi comes to life!

Photo: Boeing unveils Phantom Eye UAV (photo courtesy Boeing)

A new offering from the Boeing company – an unmanned airborne system powered by hydrogen was shown to the public today. The craft unveiled was a demo version, with a wingspan of 150 feet, capable of staying in the air for four days at a stretch.

Called the Phantom Eye, the system is reportedly the first of its kind. Industry sources say that this could be the beginning of a new wave of craft that specialize in gathering data and handling communications. The system evolved from idea stage to quick prototyping that is said to be one of Boeing’s strengths. It is expected that upon commissioning this system will set the standard for surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, which will have far reaching implications and foster many changes in the civil, military and commercial fields.

Photo: Boeing Phantom Eye

Powered by a double 2.3 liter engine and four-cylinder engines providing 150 hp each, the Phantom Eye UAV is expected to cruise at 150 knots and has payload capacities of up to 450 pounds.

The program connected to the evolution of the Phantom Eye is progressing at a fast pace, the next step of shipment to NASA – Drysden Flight Research Center at the Californian Edwards Air Force Base will happen over the course of this summer. Here, the Phantom Eye will undergo a series of tests – both ground and taxi, before the first flight will be undertaken in the early days of 2011. The initial flight of the Phantom Eye UAV is expected to be between four and eight hours in flight time.

People involved in the development of the airborne system are excited about being part of this unique unmanned aircraft. What is most interesting is the hydrogen propulsion system that powers the UAV  – which offers superior fuel economy, and produces only water as its byproduct, thus making the Phantom Eye a green aircraft.

Major partners and suppliers of the Phantom Eye project are the Ford Motor Company, who supplied engines; Aurora Flight Sciences – who were involved in the wing development; Mahle Powertrain – for propulsion controls; Ball Aerospace – for the fuel tanks; Turbosolutions Engineering – for the turbochargers; NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.