"This flight puts Boeing on a path to accomplish
another aerospace first -- the capability of
four days of unrefueled, autonomous flight." Phantom
Eye is the latest in a series of Boeing-funded
rapid prototyping programs, which include
Phantom Ray, Echo Ranger, ScanEagle Compressed
Carriage, and an associated Common Open Mission
Management Command and Control (COMC2) system
capable of managing all of the company's
unmanned assets.
"While Phantom Eye is important for many
reasons, future ISR, strike and bomber programs
also will benefit from the technologies we are
developing and maturing for our customers," said
Davis. The flight took place
following a series of taxi tests in April that
validated ground guidance, navigation and
control, mission planning, pilot interface and
operational procedures.
"This flight demonstrated Phantom Eye's initial
handling and maneuverability capabilities," said
Phantom Eye Program Manager Drew Mallow. "The
team is now analyzing data from the mission and
preparing for our next flight. When we fly the
demonstrator again, we will enter higher and
more demanding envelopes of high-altitude
flight."
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