WIX Archives

First the V-1, now this...

Posted by bdk on Wed May 22, 2002 06:35:36 PM

I wonder what kind of discussion this one will incite!

What is you opinion of unmanned fighters? Are they warbirds?????

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THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO ALL A&M AND PHANTOM WORKS EMPLOYEES IS FROM JERRY DANIELS, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF A&M, AND GEORGE MUELLNER, PRESIDENT OF PHANTOM WORKS.
We?re happy to announce that our X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle completed its first flight today at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. First flights of remarkable aircraft are the hallmark of Boeing?s history. Today?s first flight of the X-45A begins our next exciting chapter.
The X-45A advanced technology demonstration aircraft made a super flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California. All of our objectives were met, including successful demonstration of the command and control link between the X-45A and the mission-control station. This first flight helps put Boeing on the leading edge of unmanned systems technology, an important element in the development of system-of-systems warfare in the future.
We congratulate everyone who had a hand in creating our X-45A. The strong, unified team from Boeing Phantom Works and A&M Unmanned Systems made this first flight a tremendous success, and team members have every right to feel proud. This effort is a perfect example of how to bring together the best-of-the-best Boeing talents and skills to arrive at the best possible solutions for our customers.
The X-45A first flight is only the beginning of this next phase in our history. We will continue to work together to make certain that our UCAV fulfills the warfighters? needs. Because it was designed from the start to go into combat, to keep our pilots out of harm?s way in the first air assaults and to more precisely target the enemy, our UCAV is faster and more capable than existing unmanned vehicles. That leadership position is one we intend to retain as we look to fly a second X-45A later this year and begin flight-test demonstrations with multiple aircraft next year.
We offer our thanks to the entire team of dedicated professionals who designed, built and put the X-45A in the air. The X-45A may be unmanned, but we?re looking forward to an exciting ride?in the form of future developments, additional flights and the coordinated operation of UCAVs and manned aircraft. More history in the making to be sure!

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