The Boeing Phantom Eye UAV Begins Taxi Tests

Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 by MegaZone

Boeing Logo The design of the Boeing Phantom Eye UAV is definitely a case of form following function. It looks a bit strange and ungainly, and it has been a while since I’ve seen an aircraft designed to use a launch cradle, but it is all part of the mission. The Phantom Eye is designed for ultra-long-range, ultra-long-endurance flight, powered by two hydrogen fueled piston engines. It is a bit bulbous since it is pretty much a flying fuel tank for cryogenic hydrogen, which requires a sturdy, insulated pressure vessel. Using a launch cradle (it lands with a nose gear and a belly skid) eliminates the weight and complexity of landing gear; which is, after all, dead weight except during takeoff and landing. Every pound eliminated is a pound of payload, or increased endurance.

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MegaZone is the Editor of Gizmo Lovers and the chief contributor. He's been online since 1989 and active in several generations of 'social media' - mailing lists, USENet groups, web forums, and since 2003, blogging.    MegaZone has a presence on several social platforms: Google+ / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / LiveJournal / Web.    You can also follow Gizmo Lovers on other sites: Blog / Google+ / Facebook / Twitter.
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  • http://www.eyerideonline.com/ Kristy John

    The Boeing Phantom Eye UAV Begins Taxi Tests is a great read so far! I just pleased to read about it. Really I was looking forward to read about it. Love this article. Thanks for this allocation. :P