Boeing Phantom Eye Make’s First Flight
The Boeing Phantom Eye unmanned testing system made it’s first flight on June 1st, 2012 at 6:22 a.m. The flight took pace from NASA’s research center at Edwards AFB, California lasting just over 25 minutes in length. Built in St. Louis, the Phantom Eye is part of a series of unmanned technology demonstrators that are internally funded by Boeing Phantom Works which include Phantom Eye and the ScanEagle among others.
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2011 Year In Review; What’s Ahead For 2012
Although it seems like only a few months ago we were celebrating the new year, its already time to put a close on 2011. Let’s take a look at some of the highs and lows of Boeing’s fast-jet industry this year…
The highs…
- Final AF/A-18 Super Hornet’s delivered ahead of schedule
- F-15 Silent Eagle simulation in South Korea
- Super Hornet simulation in Brazil
- U.S. Navy contract for additional 124 F/A and EA-18 aircraft
- New concepts for F/A-XX, F-X and T-X unveiled
- Phantom Ray makes first flight
- Phantom Eye prepares for first flight
- F-15 Silent Eagle demonstrator program finishes
- Saudi F-15SA deal came through.. production line extended through 2019
And the blows…
- Loss of Super Hornet contract in India
- Loss of Super Hornet contract in Japan
2012 could very well be the launch year for the F-15 Silent Eagle, if South Korea chooses it for it’s next generation fighter. The decision point is expected in November.
The Super Hornet could have a strong year of sales if Brazil confirms their forty aircraft order, and Australia orders another eighteen airframes. This would extend the production line for an additional eighteen months, or until mid 2017.
New developments in country’s such as Denmark, Greece, Singapore, Chile, and the UAE may also spell good new’s for Boeing’s fast jet industry.
When it comes down to it, Boeing has had an amazing year in the commercial business, and stagnated progress in the defense industry. What will the year 2012 bring? With cheaper yet strong offerings like the Silent Eagle and Block III Super Hornet; only time will tell.
(Source: forbes.com)
Phantom Ray makes first flight
After being ferried out to Edwards AFB in December, Phantom Ray has taken to the sky five months later succeeding high speed taxi tests in March. The first of many test flights, Phantom Ray is a test-bed for future unmanned flight including reconnaissance and strike missions.
The Boeing Phantom Eye has also recently been transported to Edwards AFB as well. Wonder what Phantom Works back here is building now?
(Source: boeing.mediaroom.com)
