Boeing Phantom Ray: Most Advanced Spy Plane?

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Posted on 20 May 2010 by pinoytutorial

The future is at hand, with the Boeing Phantom Ray, the sleekest unmanned or artificially piloted spy aircraft takes us into a futuristic drama. Before, this was merely a part of our imagination or just a scene from a science fiction movie. But now, it has become a reality. Thanks to science and technology, we are in awe at the limitless possibilities.

Being one of the lightest aircraft ever made, it has a body weight of 36,500 pounds, a wing measurement of 50 feet and a body length of 36 feet. It flies 10,000 feet higher than the average commercial aircraft being manned by pilots. Itcruises at a speed of 614 mph and is one of the fastest plane possible. So given the dimensions and speed, what is so special about this airplane?



This plane besides being unmanned by a pilot acts like a space warcraft. It is true, it is a warcraft machine destined to destroy and conquer enemy lines. It can fly without being detected because of lessened infrared detection as the F404-GE-102D turbofan engine is hidden inside its body. This engine is designed to focus on reliability and includes Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) which consists of a digital computer system in the performance of an aircraft.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, says “it is a test bed for advanced technologies – intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; suppression of enemy air defenses; electronic attack and autonomous aerial refueling.” Sounds too technical? Simply put, it is sure to make the defense during war in favor of the customer and will ensure sweet, sweet victory.

This spy plane was launched at Phantom Works Missouri and is developed as a constant prototype or modeled from X-45C experimental aircraft. The earlier model flew 64 times at 614 mph, with a 4,500-pound payload, 40,000 feet high with a mission radius of 1,300 nautical miles. So what are its advantages compared to its model and other aircrafts?



Obviously, the earlier model was smaller than that of Phantom Ray thus defining a more symmetrical body type that can help improve aviation purposes.

As to comparison with other aircrafts besides its being unmanned by pilots, it has an automated system that can out-maneuver even the best test pilots. It is a harder target for missiles because of its built-in lesser infrared signature. As a testing ground, it will pave way for better technologies in aircraft technology.

However, it would be better if Phantom Ray had a built-in weaponry system to defend itself or to allow attacks on the enemies. This is what is really lacking. It is more concentrated on intelligence rather than technology or of know-how rather than the act of attacking. But still, this boomerang-like shape aircraft clearly defines innovation in a futuristic mode.