Wed, Oct 13, 2010
UAV Has Demonstrated The Ability To Deliver At Least 2,500
Pounds Of Cargo
In response to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command's
(NAVAIR)Request for Proposal (RFP) for Cargo Unmanned Air Systems
(UAS) Services, Boeing is preparing to offer an aircraft based on
the A160T Hummingbird unmanned rotorcraft. The RFP calls for
government-owned, contractor-operated UAS services for the U.S.
Marines in Afghanistan.
Hummingbird UAS File Photo
In March, under contract from the Marine Corps Warfighting
Laboratory (MCWL), Boeing demonstrated the A160T's ability to
deliver at least 2,500 pounds of cargo from one simulated
forward-operating base to another base 75 nautical miles away in
less than the required six hours. The simulated mission delivered
1,250-pound sling loads over two 150-nautical-mile round trips,
with the A160T operating autonomously on a preprogrammed
mission.
"Based on Boeing's success in the MCWL demonstration, we are
convinced we have the right solution to bring this important
capability to the Marines in the field," said Vic Sweberg, Boeing
director of Unmanned Airborne Systems. "We are prepared to offer
the best response to the Marines to support their ongoing efforts
in Afghanistan."
Hummingbird UAS File Photo
The A160T has a 2,500-pound payload capacity. It features a
unique optimum-speed-rotor technology that significantly improves
overall performance efficiency by adjusting the rotor's speed at
different altitudes, gross weights and cruise speeds. The
autonomous unmanned aircraft, measuring 35 feet long with a 36-foot
rotor diameter, has hovered at 20,000 feet and cruised at more than
140 knots. The A160T established a world endurance record in its
class in 2008 with an 18.7-hour unrefueled flight.
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