The Bird of Prey technology pioneered breakthrough low-observable technologies and revolutionized aircraft design, development and production. Developed by the Boeing Phantom Works advanced research-and-development organization, the Bird of Prey was among the first to initiate the use of large, single-piece composite structures; low-cost, disposable tooling; and 3-D virtual reality design and assembly processes to ensure the aircraft was affordable as well as high-performing. The once highly classified project ran from 1992 through 1999, and was revealed because the technologies and capabilities developed became industry standards, and was then no longer necessary to conceal the aircraft’s existence.
Fully funded by Boeing, the Bird of Prey project costs $67 million. A subsonic, single-seat technology demonstrator, the aircraft completed 38 test flights as part of its flight-demonstration program. Its first flight took place in fall 1996. Bird of Prey has a wingspan of approximately 23 feet and a length of 47 feet, and weighs nearly 7,400 pounds. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5C turbofan engine, the Bird of Prey has an operational speed of 260 knots and a maximum operating altitude of 20,000 feet.
Boeing’s development of the X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, or UCAV, technology demonstrator draws directly on its Bird of Prey experience. Some aspects of the UCAV’s innovative radar-evading design, such as its shape and inlet, were developed this project. Projects at Boeing’s advanced research and development unit are like no other. Utilizing the most advanced technology in aerospace taking a prototype fighter plane from drawing board to proving ground in less than three years, the tailless X-36 unmanned air vehicle was developed. Advanced technology projects like Orbital Express, intended to operate as a robotic “service station” to refuel, reconfigure and update satellites in orbit; the X-43A Hypersonic Vehicle; and advanced unmanned rotorcraft like the X-50 Dragonfly and the A160 Hummingbird, are projects that come to life at Phantom works.
For more information about Phantom Works, Research and Development Projects, and News, log on to, www.boeing.com/phantom/flash.html.