Posted on 11/26/2004 1:22:19 PM PST by dumpdaschle
ST. LOUIS, November 18, 2004 - The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Company accepted the first two engines for the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) X-45C aircraft program Nov. 10 in a ceremony held at a General Electric plant in Lynn, Mass.
Boeing is building three X-45C aircraft in St. Louis as part of the J-UCAS program. Each of the aircraft will be powered by a single F404 engine.
"With the F404 engine, the X-45C will be able to fly a combat radius of more than 1,200 nautical miles, cruise at 0.80 Mach, reach altitudes of 40,000 feet and carry a 4,500 pound weapon payload," said Darryl Davis, Boeing J-UCAS X-45 vice president and program manager. "With that range, speed, and lethality, this unmanned system is truly revolutionary."
The first X-45C flight is scheduled for early 2007, with the initiation of an operational assessment by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy beginning that same year. The assessment will culminate in a demonstration of the capabilities of the J-UCAS system and the X-45's ability to conduct suppression of enemy air defenses; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and strike missions.
The X-45C will be 39-feet long with a 49-foot wingspan. It is designed to be a highly-survivable weapons system that will include advanced sensors and a robust communication system demonstrating advanced target detection and engagement capabilities.
The J-UCAS X-45 program is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy/Boeing effort to demonstrate the technical feasibility, military utility and operational value of an unmanned air combat system for the Services.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis , Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It provides network-centric systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense and Department of Homeland Security; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.
so there is a boeing company person in here pumping up boeing for some reason....... any one know who or why ...
this is a non event....
bump in anticipation of more pictures.
That bird looks mighty different from the first two prototypes.
This I like! Now any red-blooded American can fight a war anywhere on the planet from their homes!
(s)so its a lazy american pilot fighter plane (/s)
I wonder if those things can refuel in flight?
Why does it have a cockpit?
You're right its a non-event. I know there are aviation enthusiasts on this web site and I thought it was interesting. It does look different than the first A and B versions, this is the new improved version. That is the only picture on Boeing's web site. Friday afternoon type post..... I'm bored.
... for a zylon pilot?
It looks like an engine intake.
That could be the air intake for the jet. Placing it on top and further back would help reduce it's radar signature.
Technology BUMP! (already envisioning the next genertion)
i have a zoo here....
It's not a cockpit - it's a light in the intake.
ACK! It's got GE engines!
some more details
http://www.air-attack.com/page.php?pid=10
The same engine that F-18s use.
The guy's handle is 'dumpdaschle' indicating he's from Washington where this is good news. Boeing is a big deal to Washington as it is next to Microsoft in revenues. Good news for Boeing is great news for Washington.
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