Background: Boeing built the X-45 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator system (UDS) under a $131 million DARPA/Air Force Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD). It is intended to evaluate technologies and concepts for a follow-on UCAV Operational System (UOS) for possible fielding in the post-2010 timeframe. The UCAV-AF is focused on the suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) mission. The first of two X-45 flight test aircraft made its formal debut in Sep 2001. Its first flight is anticipated to occur in late 2001.
Characteristics:
| Length, ft | 27 | Wing Span, ft | 34 |
| Gross Weight, lbs | 15,000 | Payload Weight, lbs | 2,000 |
| Fuel Capacity, lbs | Fuel Type | JP | |
| Engine Make | Honeywell F124-GA-100 TF | Power, lb | 6,330 |
| Structure | Composite/aluminum | ||
| Guidance | Navigation | GPS/INS | |
| Data Link(s) | LOS only | Data Rate(s) | |
| Endurance, hrs | 3.0 | Radius, nm | 650 |
| Max Speed, kts | Stall Speed, kts | ||
| Altitude, ft | 45,000 | ||
| Takeoff Means | Conventional | ||
| Navigation | Preprogrammed
/ direct control |
||
| Landing Means | Conventional | ||
Sensor(s):