Boeing X-50
| Boeing X-50 Dragonfly | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Unmanned experimental aircraft |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
November 24, 2003 |
| Number of pieces: |
2 |
The Boeing X-50 Dragonfly is an unmanned experimental aircraft designed as a convertible aircraft from the US manufacturer Boeing and DARPA to demonstrate the functionality of a rotor concept . The total volume of the order initiated in 1998 for two flying prototypes was US $ 24 million, of which Boeing and DARPA each assumed half.
The unmanned aerial vehicle can take off vertically like a helicopter , but when flying forward, the rotor can be stopped and then acts like a conventional wing . It is set in rotation again for landing. The machine has canards and a horizontal stabilizer in the rear, which also carries the double vertical stabilizer. All three areas have a similar span.
The first flight took place on November 24, 2003. During the third flight on March 23, 2004 the machine crashed. Another, improved prototype was then made, which made its first short flight on November 4, 2005, but crashed again on April 12, 2006 and was completely destroyed. The test program provided for 11 flights.
The rotor has a cold blade tip drive . It is driven by a turbofan engine , the air flow of which is used both for forward flight and for rotor output. During the hover , it also supplies control jets.
The development is based on experiences made with the Sikorsky X-wing .
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| Type: | Unmanned experimental aircraft |
| Length: | 5.39 m |
| Wingspan: | 3.66 m |
| Height: | 1.98 m |
| Empty weight: | 574 kg |
| Maximum take-off weight: | 645 kg |
| Fuel capacity: | 66 kg |
| Top speed: | approx. 700 km / h |
| Marching speed: | 278 km / h |
| Payload: | 91 kg |
| Engine: | A Williams Research F-112 - turbofan |
Web links
- Description and picture of the X-50A
- Background information (English; PDF file; 806 kB)