This unmanned airborne system is efficient, offers great fuel economy, and is green

Boeing has unveiled the hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye unmanned airborne system, a demonstrator that will stay aloft at 65,000 feet for up to four days.

Darryl Davis, President, Boeing Phantom Works, says, “Phantom Eye is the first of its kind and could open up a whole new market in collecting data and communications. It is a perfect example of turning an idea into a reality. It defines our rapid prototyping efforts and will demonstrate the art-of-the-possible when it comes to persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The capabilities inherent in Phantom Eye’s design will offer game-changing opportunities for our military, civil and commercial customers.”

Later this summer, Phantom Eye will be shipped to NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Centre at Edwards Air Force Base, California, to begin a series of ground and taxi tests in preparation for its first flight in early 2011. That debut flight is expected to last 4-8 hours.

“The programme is moving quickly and it’s exciting to be part of such a unique aircraft,” said Drew Mallow, Programme Manager, Phantom Eye, Boeing. “The hydrogen propulsion system will be the key to Phantom Eye’s success. It is very efficient and offers great fuel economy, and its only byproduct is water, so it’s also a green aircraft,” he added.