Boeing Phantom Ray
Boeing Defense, Space & Security · United States · first flew 2011 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Boeing Phantom Ray is a stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle demonstrator developed from Boeing's X-45 programme, featuring a cranked-kite flying wing design optimised for low observability. It conducted its first flight in 2011.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Single engine embedded in fuselage with dorsal or blended intake |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Tailless flying wing UCAV demonstrator with cranked-kite planform
- Single engine embedded in fuselage with dorsal or blended intake
- Low-observable blended wing body with no vertical tail surfaces
A smooth blended flying wing with a cranked leading edge, no tail surfaces, and a very low-profile fuselage centre-body housing a single embedded turbofan.
Specifications
- The Boeing Phantom Ray has a length of 10.9 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.2 m (50 ft).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed as a technology demonstrator building on Boeing's X-45 UCAV work cancelled in 2006, the Phantom Ray was revealed publicly in 2010 and first flew in April 2011 at Edwards Air Force Base. It demonstrated a wide range of potential missions including strike, ISR, and electronic attack.
Variants
A single demonstrator aircraft was built; no production variant has been announced.
Where you'll see it
Operated as a demonstrator by Boeing; no military service.
Related aircraft
- Boeing X-37A Approach and Landing Test Vehicle
- Northrop Grumman X-47B
- Dassault nEUROn
- Prox Dynamics Black Hornet Nano
- PTDI Wulung
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