Boeing X-45: Difference between revisions

X-45
X-45
	Boeing X-45A
General information
Type	Unmanned combat aerial vehicle
Manufacturer	Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
Primary user	United States Air Force
Number built	2
History
First flight	22 May 2002
Variants	Phantom Ray ; Boeing X-46

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The Boeing X-45 unmanned combat air vehicle is a concept demonstrator for a "next generation" of completely autonomous military aircraft, developed by Boeing's Phantom Works. Manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, the X-45 was a part of DARPA's J-UCAS project.

Development

Boeing developed the X-45 from research gathered during the development of the Bird of Prey. The X-45 features an extremely low-profile dorsal intake placed near the leading edge of the aircraft. The center fuselage is blended into a swept lambda wing, with a small exhaust outlet. It has no vertical control surfaces — split ailerons near each wingtip function as asymmetric air brakes, providing rudder control, much as in Northrop's flying wings.

X-45A test flight

Removing the pilot and its associated facilities from the aircraft dramatically reduces the aircraft's cost. Ground-based pilots execute the higher level decisions, but the mechanical flying of the aircraft is autonomous.

Variants

X-45A

Boeing built two of the model X-45A; both were scaled-down proof-of-concept aircraft. The first was completed by Boeing's Phantom Works in September 2000.^[1] The goal of the X-45A technology demonstrator program was to develop the technologies needed to "conduct suppression of enemy air defense missions with unmanned combat air vehicles."^[1] The first generation of unmanned combat air vehicles are primarily planned for air-to-ground roles with defensive air-to-air capabilities coupled with significant remote piloting.

The X-45A had its first flight on May 22, 2002, and the second vehicle followed in November of that year. On April 18, 2004, the X-45A's first bombing run test at Edwards Air Force Base was successful; it hit a ground target with a 250-pound (110 kg) inert precision-guided munition. On August 1, 2004, for the first time, two X-45As were controlled in flight simultaneously by one ground-based pilot.

On February 4, 2005, on their 50th flight, the two X-45As took off into a patrol pattern and were then alerted to the presence of a target. The X-45As then autonomously determined which vehicle held the optimum position, weapons (notional), and fuel load to properly attack the target. After making that decision, one of the X-45As changed course and the ground-based pilot authorized the consent to attack the simulated antiaircraft emplacement. Following a successful strike, another simulated threat, this time disguised, emerged and was subsequently destroyed by the second X-45A.^[2] This demonstrated the ability of these vehicles to work autonomously as a team and manage their resources, as well as to engage previously-undetected targets, which is significantly harder than following a predetermined attack path.

After the completion of the flight test program, both X-45As were sent to museums, one to the National Air and Space Museum, and the other to the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where it was inducted on November 13, 2006.^[1]^[3]

The X-45A introduced yaw axis thrust vectoring.^[4]

X-45B/C

The larger X-45B design was modified to have even more fuel capacity and three times greater combat range, becoming the X-45C. Each wing's leading edge spans from the nose to the wingtip, giving the aircraft more wing area, and a platform very similar to the B-2 Spirits'. The first of the three planned X-45C aircraft was originally scheduled to be completed in 2006, with capability demonstrations scheduled for early 2007. By 2010, Boeing hoped to complete an autonomous aerial refueling of the X-45C by a KC-135 Stratotanker. Boeing has displayed a mock-up of the X-45C on static displays at many airshows.

The X-45C portion of the program received $767 million from DARPA in October 2004, to construct and test three aircraft, along with several supplemental goals. The X-45C included an F404 engine.^[5] In July 2005, DARPA awarded an additional $175 million to continue the program, as well as implement autonomous aerial refueling technology.^[6]

On March 2, 2006, the US Air Force decided not to continue with the X-45 project. However, Boeing submitted a proposal to the Navy for a carrier based demonstrator version of the X-45, designated the X-45N.

X-45N

The X-45N was Boeing's proposal to the Navy's Unmanned Combat Air Systems demonstration project. When it became known that the US Air Force would end funding to the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System program^[7] (which included the X-45 and X-47), the US Navy started its own UCAS program.^[8] Requirements were defined over the summer of 2006, and proposals were submitted in April 2007.^[9]

The first flight of the X-45N was planned for November 2008, had Boeing won the contract.^[10] The contract was eventually awarded to Northrop Grumman's proposed naval X-47, thus ending the X-45 program.^[11]

As of 2007, the software Boeing developed to allow the X-45N to land and takeoff autonomously on aircraft carriers had been installed on the first F/A-18F, which has used it to perform tests of autonomous approaches. All autonomous approaches ended with a wave-off by design. This Super Hornet is expected to be able to hook the carrier's arrester cables autonomously by the 2009 timeframe,^[12] setting the stage for carrier-borne UAV operations.

Phantom Ray

Boeing planned to develop and demonstrate an unmanned flying test bed for advanced air system technologies. The internally funded program, called Phantom Ray, uses the X-45C prototype vehicle^[13] that Boeing originally developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy Joint-Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) program. The UAV was not aimed at any particular program or competition.^[14]

Specifications (X-45A)

Data from Airforce Technology,^[15]^{[unreliable source?]} Boeing page^[16]

General characteristics

Length: 26 ft 6 in (8.08 m)
Wingspan: 33 ft 10 in (10.31 m)
Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Empty weight: 8,000 lb (3,629 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Honeywell F124-GA-100 turbofan engine

Performance

Cruise speed: 533 kn (613 mph, 987 km/h)
Combat range: 1,300 nmi (1,500 mi, 2,400 km)
Service ceiling: 40,000 ft (12,000 m)

Armament

Hardpoints: 8 - 2 weapon bays with 4 in each to carry JDAM or Small diameter bomb

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Swan, Sarah (2006-11-17). "X-45A Unmanned Combat Vehicle on Display". Aerotech News and Review.
^ The 50th flight: Two X-45s work autonomously as a group and successfully attack previously undetected targets Archived August 29, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
^ Boeing news release Archived November 10, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
^ "Speed bump: USAF sets modest goals for new bomber".
^ "Boeing Receives First Engines for X-45C UCAV" Archived December 5, 2005, at the Wayback Machine. Boeing, November 18, 2004.
^ "Boeing Awarded Additional $175 Million for Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems Capability Demonstration Program" Archived November 25, 2005, at the Wayback Machine. Boeing, July 11, 2005.
^ "J-UCAS ending" Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine, Aviation Week and Space Technology.
^ "Navy's UCAS program"^{[permanent dead link‍]}, Aviation Week and Space Technology.
^ article; Navy UCAS proposals" Archived 2012-02-05 at the Wayback Machine, Aviation Week and Space Technology
^ "Winner to be selected in late 2007 or early 2008" Archived 2012-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week and Space Technology.
^ "Navy awards UCAS-D contract to Northrop Grumman X-47 team^{[dead link‍]}
^ "F/A-18F approaches carrier autonomously, will soon land autonomously" Archived 2012-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week and Space Technology
^ "Boeing's Phantom Ray - the 'Phoenix' of UCAVs" Archived 2010-03-21 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week.
^ "Breaking: Boeing resurrects X-45C as 'Phantom Ray' testbed". Flight Global.
^ X-45 J-UCAV Joint Unmanned Combat Air System, specifications. airforce-technology.com
^ X-45 Joint Unmanned Combat Air System Archived March 23, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Boeing.

External links

[swan-1] Swan, Sarah (2006-11-17). "X-45A Unmanned Combat Vehicle on Display". Aerotech News and Review.

[2] The 50th flight: Two X-45s work autonomously as a group and successfully attack previously undetected targets Archived August 29, 2005, at the Wayback Machine

[3] Boeing news release Archived November 10, 2006, at the Wayback Machine

[4] "Speed bump: USAF sets modest goals for new bomber".

[5] "Boeing Receives First Engines for X-45C UCAV" Archived December 5, 2005, at the Wayback Machine. Boeing, November 18, 2004.

[6] "Boeing Awarded Additional $175 Million for Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems Capability Demonstration Program" Archived November 25, 2005, at the Wayback Machine. Boeing, July 11, 2005.

[7] "J-UCAS ending" Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine, Aviation Week and Space Technology.

[8] "Navy's UCAS program"^{[permanent dead link‍]}, Aviation Week and Space Technology.

[9] rticle; Navy UCAS proposals" Archived 2012-02-05 at the Wayback Machine, Aviation Week and Space Technology

[10] "Winner to be selected in late 2007 or early 2008" Archived 2012-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week and Space Technology.

[11] "Navy awards UCAS-D contract to Northrop Grumman X-47 team^{[dead link‍]}

[12] "F/A-18F approaches carrier autonomously, will soon land autonomously" Archived 2012-02-05 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week and Space Technology

[13] "Boeing's Phantom Ray - the 'Phoenix' of UCAVs" Archived 2010-03-21 at the Wayback Machine. Aviation Week.

[14] "Breaking: Boeing resurrects X-45C as 'Phantom Ray' testbed". Flight Global.

[15] X-45 J-UCAV Joint Unmanned Combat Air System, specifications. airforce-technology.com

[16] X-45 Joint Unmanned Combat Air System Archived March 23, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Boeing.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Experimental unmanned military aircraft}}
-{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
+{{Infobox aircraft
-  |name = X-45
+| name = X-45
-  |logo = <!--ONLY for an individual logo of the aircraft model, (NOT the main manufacturer logo)-->
+| logo = <!--ONLY for an individual logo of the aircraft model, (NOT the main manufacturer logo)-->
-  |image = File:X-45 AV1 sixth flight from Edwards AFB (EC02-0295-05).jpg
+| image = File:X-45 AV1 sixth flight from Edwards AFB (EC02-0295-05).jpg
-  |caption = Boeing X-45A
+| caption = Boeing X-45A
-}}{{Infobox aircraft type
-  |type = [[Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle]]
+| type = [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]
-  |manufacturer = [[Boeing Integrated Defense Systems]]
+| manufacturer = [[Boeing Integrated Defense Systems]]
-  |designer = <!--only appropriate for single designers, not project leaders-->
+| designer = <!--only appropriate for single designers, not project leaders-->
-  |first publicized = 27 September 2000
+| first publicized = 27 September 2000
-  |first flight = 22 May 2002
+| first_flight = 22 May 2002
-  |introduction = <!--date the aircraft entered or will enter military or revenue service-->
+| introduction = <!--date the aircraft entered or will enter military or revenue service-->
-  |retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. If vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped-->
+| retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. If vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped-->
-  |status = <!--in most cases, this field is redundant; use it sparingly-->
+| status = <!--in most cases, this field is redundant; use it sparingly-->
-  |primary user = [[United States Air Force]]
+| primary_user = [[United States Air Force]]
-  |more users = <!--limited to three "more users" total; please separate with <br/>-->
+| more_users = <!--limited to three "more users" total; please separate with <br/>-->
-  |produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
+| produced = <!--years in production, e.g. 1970-1999, if still in active use but no longer built-->
-  |number built = 2
+| number_built = 2
-  |program cost= <!-- total program cost. -->
+| program cost = <!-- total program cost. -->
-  |unit cost = <!-- incremental or flyaway cost for military aircraft or retail price for commercial aircraft. -->
+| unit cost = <!-- incremental or flyaway cost for military aircraft or retail price for commercial aircraft. -->
-  |developed from = <!-- the aircraft which formed the basis for the topic type -->
+| developed_from = <!-- the aircraft which formed the basis for the topic type -->
-  |variants with their own articles = [[Boeing Phantom Ray|Phantom Ray]] <br> [[Boeing X-46]]
+| variants = [[Boeing Phantom Ray|Phantom Ray]] <br> [[Boeing X-46]]
 }}
-|}
-The '''Boeing X-45''' [[unmanned combat air vehicle]] is a concept demonstrator for a next generation of completely autonomous [[military aircraft]], developed by Boeing's [[Boeing Phantom Works|Phantom Works]]. Manufactured by [[Boeing Integrated Defense Systems]], the X-45 was a part of [[DARPA]]'s [[Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems|J-UCAS]] project.
+The '''Boeing X-45''' [[unmanned combat air vehicle]] is a concept demonstrator for a "next generation" of completely autonomous [[military aircraft]], developed by Boeing's [[Boeing Phantom Works|Phantom Works]]. Manufactured by [[Boeing Integrated Defense Systems]], the X-45 was a part of [[DARPA]]'s [[Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems|J-UCAS]] project.
 ==Development==
-Boeing developed the X-45 from research gathered during the development of the [[Boeing Bird of Prey|Bird of Prey]]. The X-45 features an extremely low-profile dorsal intake placed near the leading edge of the aircraft. The center fuselage is blended into a [[swept wing|swept]] lambda wing, with a small exhaust outlet. It has no vertical control surfaces — split [[aileron]]s near each wingtip function as asymmetric air brakes, providing rudder control, much as in [[Northrop N-9M|Northrop]]'s [[flying wing]]s.
+Boeing developed the X-45 from research gathered during the development of the [[Boeing Bird of Prey|Bird of Prey]]. The X-45 features an extremely low-profile dorsal intake placed near the leading edge of the aircraft. The center fuselage is blended into a [[swept wing|swept]] lambda wing, with a small exhaust outlet. It has no vertical control surfaces — split [[aileron]]s near each wingtip function as asymmetric air brakes, providing rudder control, much as in [[Northrop Grumman|Northrop]]'s [[flying wing]]s.
 [[File:Boeing X-45 footage.ogg|thumb|left|X-45A test flight]]
@@ Line 41: / Line 40: @@
 The X-45A had its first flight on May 22, 2002, and the second vehicle followed in November of that year. On April 18, 2004, the X-45A's first bombing run test at [[Edwards Air Force Base]] was successful; it hit a ground target with a {{convert|250|lb|kg|adj=on}} inert precision-guided munition. On August 1, 2004, for the first time, two X-45As were controlled in flight simultaneously by one ground-based pilot.
+[[File:Boeing X-45-NMUSAF.jpg|thumb|Boeing X-45 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.]]
 On February 4, 2005, on their 50th flight, the two X-45As took off into a patrol pattern and were then alerted to the presence of a target. The X-45As then autonomously determined which vehicle held the optimum position, weapons (notional), and fuel load to properly attack the target. After making that decision, one of the X-45As changed course and the ground-based pilot authorized the consent to attack the simulated [[antiaircraft]] emplacement. Following a successful strike, another simulated threat, this time disguised, emerged and was subsequently destroyed by the second X-45A.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q1/nr_050214s.html The 50th flight: Two X-45s work autonomously as a group and successfully attack previously undetected targets] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050829065040/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q1/nr_050214s.html |date=August 29, 2005 }}</ref> This demonstrated the ability of these vehicles to work autonomously as a team and manage their resources, as well as to engage previously-undetected targets, which is significantly harder than following a predetermined attack path.
 After the completion of the flight test program, both X-45As were sent to museums, one to the [[National Air and Space Museum]], and the other to the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]], where it was inducted on November 13, 2006.<ref name="swan"/><ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061002a_nr.html Boeing news release] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110053340/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061002a_nr.html |date=November 10, 2006 }}</ref>
-The X-45A introduced [[yaw axis]] [[thrust vectoring]].<ref>https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/speed-bump-usaf-sets-modest-goals-for-new-bomber-214539/</ref>
+The X-45A introduced [[yaw axis]] [[thrust vectoring]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/speed-bump-usaf-sets-modest-goals-for-new-bomber-214539/|title=Speed bump: USAF sets modest goals for new bomber}}</ref>
 ===X-45B/C===
 [[File:Airshowfan-dot-com--by-Bernardo-Malfitano--Image-of-X45C-mockup-at-Nellis-05.jpg|thumb|The newer, larger X-45C]]
-[[File:Airshowfan-dot-com--by-Bernardo-Malfitano--Image2-of-X45C-mockup-at-Nellis-05.jpg|thumb|X-45C 3/4 front view]]
+[[File:Airshowfan-dot-com--by-Bernardo-Malfitano--Image2-of-X45C-mockup-at-Nellis-05.jpg|thumb|X-45C (three-quarter view)]]
-The larger X-45B design was modified to have even more fuel capacity and three times greater combat range, becoming the X-45C. Each wing's leading edge spans from the nose to the wingtip, giving the aircraft more wing area, and a planform very similar to the [[B-2 Spirit]]s'. The first of the three planned X-45C aircraft was originally scheduled to be completed in 2006, with capability demonstrations scheduled for early 2007. By 2010, Boeing hoped to complete an autonomous [[aerial refueling]] of the X-45C by a [[KC-135 Stratotanker]]. Boeing has displayed a mock-up of the X-45C on static displays at many airshows.
+The larger X-45B design was modified to have even more fuel capacity and three times greater combat range, becoming the X-45C. Each wing's leading edge spans from the nose to the wingtip, giving the aircraft more wing area, and a platform very similar to the [[B-2 Spirit]]s'. The first of the three planned X-45C aircraft was originally scheduled to be completed in 2006, with capability demonstrations scheduled for early 2007. By 2010, Boeing hoped to complete an autonomous [[aerial refueling]] of the X-45C by a [[KC-135 Stratotanker]]. Boeing has displayed a mock-up of the X-45C on static displays at many airshows.
-The X-45C portion of the program received $767 million from DARPA in October 2004, to construct and test three aircraft, along with several supplemental goals. The X-45C included an F404 engine.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2004/q4/nr_041118t.html "Boeing Receives First Engines for X-45C UCAV"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051205133757/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2004/q4/nr_041118t.html |date=December 5, 2005 }}. Boeing, November 18, 2004.</ref>  In July 2005, DARPA awarded an additional $175 million to continue the program, as well as implement autonomous [[Aerial refueling]] technology.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q3/nr_050711n.html "Boeing Awarded Additional $175 Million for Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems Capability Demonstration Program"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125140700/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q3/nr_050711n.html |date=November 25, 2005 }}. Boeing, July 11, 2005.</ref>
+The X-45C portion of the program received $767 million from DARPA in October 2004, to construct and test three aircraft, along with several supplemental goals. The X-45C included an F404 engine.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2004/q4/nr_041118t.html "Boeing Receives First Engines for X-45C UCAV"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051205133757/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2004/q4/nr_041118t.html |date=December 5, 2005 }}. Boeing, November 18, 2004.</ref>  In July 2005, DARPA awarded an additional $175 million to continue the program, as well as implement autonomous aerial refueling technology.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q3/nr_050711n.html "Boeing Awarded Additional $175 Million for Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems Capability Demonstration Program"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125140700/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q3/nr_050711n.html |date=November 25, 2005 }}. Boeing, July 11, 2005.</ref>
 On March 2, 2006, the US Air Force decided not to continue with the X-45 project. However, Boeing submitted a proposal to the Navy for a carrier based demonstrator version of the X-45, designated the X-45N.
 ===X-45N===
-The X-45N was Boeing's proposal to the Navy's [[Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator program|Unmanned Combat Air Systems demonstration project]].  When it became known that the US Air Force would end funding to the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System program<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/aw091627.xml "J-UCAS ending"], ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''.</ref> (which included the X-45 and [[Northrop Grumman X-47B|X-47]]), the US Navy started its own UCAS program.<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/awe/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=hs&id=news/UCAS07216.xml "Navy's UCAS program"], ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''.</ref> Requirements were defined over the summer of 2006, and proposals were submitted in April 2007.<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/aw040207p1.xml article; Navy UCAS proposals"], ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''</ref>
+The X-45N was Boeing's proposal to the Navy's [[Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator program|Unmanned Combat Air Systems demonstration project]].  When it became known that the US Air Force would end funding to the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System program<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news/aw091627.xml "J-UCAS ending"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927012923/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=awst&id=news%2Faw091627.xml |date=2007-09-27 }}, ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''.</ref> (which included the X-45 and [[Northrop Grumman X-47B|X-47]]), the US Navy started its own UCAS program.<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/awe/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=hs&id=news/UCAS07216.xml "Navy's UCAS program"]{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''.</ref> Requirements were defined over the summer of 2006, and proposals were submitted in April 2007.<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/aw040207p1.xml article; Navy UCAS proposals"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205113125/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2Faw040207p1.xml |date=2012-02-05 }}, ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''</ref>
-The first flight of the X-45N was planned for November 2008, had Boeing won the contract.<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/UCAS10196.xml  "Winner to be selected in late 2007 or early 2008"]. ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''.</ref>  The contract was eventually awarded to Northrop Grumman's proposed naval X-47, thus ending the X-45 program.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/08/03/prnewswire200708031741PR_NEWS_B_WES_LA_LAF053.html "Navy awards UCAS-D contract to Northrop Grumman X-47 team]</ref>
+The first flight of the X-45N was planned for November 2008, had Boeing won the contract.<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/UCAS10196.xml  "Winner to be selected in late 2007 or early 2008"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205113133/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news%2FUCAS10196.xml |date=2012-02-05 }}. ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''.</ref>  The contract was eventually awarded to Northrop Grumman's proposed naval X-47, thus ending the X-45 program.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/08/03/prnewswire200708031741PR_NEWS_B_WES_LA_LAF053.html "Navy awards UCAS-D contract to Northrop Grumman X-47 team]{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
-The software Boeing developed to allow the X-45N to land and takeoff autonomously on aircraft carriers has recently been installed on the first [[F/A-18F]], which has used it to perform autonomous approaches. All autonomous approaches ended with a wave-off by design.  This Super Hornet is expected to be able to hook the carrier's arrester cables autonomously by the 2009 timeframe,<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/aw060407p1.xml&headline=Super%20Hornet%20Demonstrates%20Unpiloted%20Approaches&channel=defense  "F/A-18F approaches carrier autonomously, will soon land autonomously"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205113137/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news%2Faw060407p1.xml&headline=Super%20Hornet%20Demonstrates%20Unpiloted%20Approaches&channel=defense |date=2012-02-05 }}. ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''</ref> setting the stage for carrier-borne UAV operations.
+As of 2007, the software Boeing developed to allow the X-45N to land and takeoff autonomously on aircraft carriers had been installed on the first [[F/A-18F]], which has used it to perform tests of autonomous approaches. All autonomous approaches ended with a wave-off by design.  This Super Hornet is expected to be able to hook the carrier's arrester cables autonomously by the 2009 timeframe,<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/aw060407p1.xml&headline=Super%20Hornet%20Demonstrates%20Unpiloted%20Approaches&channel=defense  "F/A-18F approaches carrier autonomously, will soon land autonomously"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205113137/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news%2Faw060407p1.xml&headline=Super%20Hornet%20Demonstrates%20Unpiloted%20Approaches&channel=defense |date=2012-02-05 }}. ''Aviation Week and Space Technology''</ref> setting the stage for carrier-borne UAV operations.
 ===Phantom Ray===
 {{Main|Boeing Phantom Ray}}
-Boeing planned to develop and demonstrate an unmanned flying test bed for advanced air system technologies. The internally funded program, called Phantom Ray, uses the X-45C prototype vehicle<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a0fc310f6-038d-410a-8d24-5daeb366ef29&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending "Boeing's Phantom Ray - the 'Phoenix' of UCAVs"]. Aviation Week.</ref> that Boeing originally developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy Joint-Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) program. The UAV was not aimed at any particular program or competition.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2009/05/breaking-boeing-resurrects-x-4.html "Breaking: Boeing resurrects X-45C as 'Phantom Ray' testbed"]. Flight Global.</ref>
+Boeing planned to develop and demonstrate an unmanned flying test bed for advanced air system technologies. The internally funded program, called Phantom Ray, uses the X-45C prototype vehicle<ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a0fc310f6-038d-410a-8d24-5daeb366ef29&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending "Boeing's Phantom Ray - the 'Phoenix' of UCAVs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100321164415/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a0fc310f6-038d-410a-8d24-5daeb366ef29&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending |date=2010-03-21 }}. Aviation Week.</ref> that Boeing originally developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/U.S. Air Force/U.S. Navy Joint-Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS) program. The UAV was not aimed at any particular program or competition.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2009/05/breaking-boeing-resurrects-x-4.html "Breaking: Boeing resurrects X-45C as 'Phantom Ray' testbed"]. Flight Global.</ref>
 ==Specifications (X-45A)==
 [[File:Boeing X-45.jpg|thumb|X-45 deploying a GPS-guided bomb]]
 {{Aircraft specs
-|ref=Airforce Technology,<ref>[http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/x-45-ucav/specs.html X-45 J-UCAV Joint Unmanned Combat Air System, specifications]. airforce-technology.com{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}}</ref> Boeing page<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/history/boeing/x45_jucas.html X-45 Joint Unmanned Combat Air System] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323161907/http://www.boeing.com/history/boeing/x45_jucas.html |date=March 23, 2008 }}. Boeing.</ref>
+|ref=Airforce Technology,<ref>[https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/x-45-ucav/?cf-view X-45 J-UCAV Joint Unmanned Combat Air System, specifications]. airforce-technology.com</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}} Boeing page<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/history/boeing/x45_jucas.html X-45 Joint Unmanned Combat Air System] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323161907/http://www.boeing.com/history/boeing/x45_jucas.html |date=March 23, 2008 }}. Boeing.</ref>
 |prime units?=kts
 <!--
         General characteristics
 -->
-|length ft=60
+|length ft=26
-|length in=7
+|length in=6
 |length note=
 |span ft=33
@@ Line 87: / Line 86: @@
 |height in=8
 |height note=
-|wing area sqft= 33,67
+|wing area sqft=
-|wing area note= 6.12 is 2pi
+|wing area note=
 |aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
 |airfoil=<!--'''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>-->
@@ Line 102: / Line 101: @@
         Powerplant
 -->
-|eng1 number=3
+|eng1 number=1
 |eng1 name=[[Honeywell F124-GA-100]]
 |eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engine
@@ Line 114: / Line 113: @@
         Performance
 -->
-|max speed kts=496
+|max speed kts=
 |max speed note=
-|max speed mach=0.75
+|cruise speed kts=533
-|cruise speed kts=
 |cruise speed note=
 |stall speed kts=
@@ Line 123: / Line 121: @@
 |never exceed speed kts=
 |never exceed speed note=
-|range nmi=1800
+|range nmi=
 |range note=
-|combat range nmi=3500
+|combat range nmi=1300
 |combat range note=
 |ferry range nmi=
 |ferry range note=
 |endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
-|ceiling ft=37000
+|ceiling ft=40000
 |ceiling note=
-|g limits= 3
+|g limits=
 |roll rate=
 |climb rate ftmin=
@@ Line 140: / Line 138: @@
 |wing loading lb/sqft=
 |wing loading note=
-|fuel consumption lb/mi= 60 gallons per hour
+|fuel consumption lb/mi=
 |thrust/weight=
@@ Line 177: / Line 175: @@
 ==External links==
-{{commons|Boeing X-45|Boeing X-45}}
+{{commons}}
 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080323161907/http://www.boeing.com/history/boeing/x45_jucas.html Boeing X-45 Site]
 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20050424080637/http://www.darpa.mil/j-ucas/X-45/videos.htm X-45 Video Collection]
 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20040405000243/http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/X-45A/index.html NASA Dryden X-45A UCAV Photo Collection]
-* [http://www.nbcnews.com/id/4779727 First bombing run test is a success]
+* [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4779727 First bombing run test is a success]
 * [https://web.archive.org/web/20111005052515/http://www.compositesworld.com/articles/composites-combat-ready-in-ucavs Composites combat ready in UCAVs]
 * [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/x-45.html Boeing X-45 / X-46 page on designation-systems.net]
@@ Line 190: / Line 188: @@
 {{Boeing military aircraft}}
 {{X-planes}}
+{{Stealth aircraft}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:X-45}}
-[[Category:Boeing military aircraft]]
+[[Category:Stealth aircraft]]
+[[Category:Boeing aircraft]]
 [[Category:DARPA]]
 [[Category:Edwards Air Force Base]]
@@ Line 202: / Line 202: @@
 [[Category:Unmanned experimental aircraft]]
 [[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
+[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]
+[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]

v t e Boeing military aircraft
Fighters/attack aircraft	PW-9/FB F2B F3B F4B XF5B XF6B XF7B XF8B XP-4 XP-7 XP-8 XP-9 P-12 XP-15 P-26 P-29 XP-32 818 F-15E F-15EX YF-22 F-22 AV-8B F/A-18E/F EA-18G
Bombers	YB-9 XB-15 B-17 Y1B-20 B-29 XB-38 XB-39 YB-40 XB-44 B-47 B-50 B-52 B-54 XB-55 XB-56 XB-59 B-1
Piston-engined transports	C-73 C-75 C-97 C-98 XC-105 C-108
Jet transports	C-135 C-137 CC-137 YC-14 C-17 C-22 VC-25 C-32 C-40 CT-43
Tanker-transports	KB-29 KB-50 KC-97 KC-135 KC-137 KC-10 KC-46 KC-767
Trainers	PT-13 PT-17 PT-18 PT-27 XAT-15 T-43 T-45 T-7
Patrol and surveillance	XPB XPBB XP3B P-8 EC-135 EC-18 E-3 E-4 E-6 E-7 E-8 E-10 E-767
Reconnaissance	NC-135 OC-135B RC-135 WC-135
Drones/UAVs	YQM-94 CQM-121 MQ-18 RQ-21 MQ-25 MQ-27 MQ-28 X-50
Experimental/prototypes	AFTI/F-111A Bird of Prey Phantom Eye Phantom Ray Skyfox X-20 X-32 X-36 X-37 X-40 X-45 X-48 X-50 X-51 X-53 YAL-1