An unmanned cargo bird for the USMC

[GZR_Sactargets]

Boeing Submits Proposal for USMC Unmanned Cargo Aircraft Demonstration


Wed, 03 Jun '09


Boeing has submitted a proposal offering its A160T Hummingbird for the US
Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory's Immediate Cargo Unmanned Aerial
System (UAS) Demonstration Program.


"The Marines have identified an urgent need for unmanned aerial vehicles to
deliver supplies in lieu of putting trucks and personnel on dangerous
roads," said John Groenenboom, A160T program manager for Boeing. "The A160T
was designed from inception as a UAS with significant payload-carrying and
high-altitude-operation capabilities, so we are confident in its ability to
meet the requirements of this critical mission."


The demonstration contract is expected to be awarded in July. Boeing will
demonstrate it can deliver 2,500 pounds of cargo per day from one simulated
forward-operating base to another in fewer than six hours per day for three
consecutive days. The demonstration program could lead to future business
opportunities.


The A160T has a 2,500-pound payload capacity. It features a unique
optimum-speed-rotor technology that significantly improves overall
performance efficiency by adjusting the rotor’s speed at different
altitudes, gross weights and cruise speeds. The autonomous unmanned
aircraft, measuring 35 feet long with a 36-foot rotor diameter, has hovered
at 20,000 feet and has cruised at more than 140 knots. The A160T
established a world endurance record in its class in 2008 with an 18.7-hour
unrefueled flight.


FMI: www.boeing.com, www.marines.mil

[GZR_Sactargets]

There is one flying now. The Kaman K-Max can fly either manned or unmanned. It can lift 6000 lbs.

http://www.marines.mil/units/hqmc/quant ... ities.aspx