Boeing Phantom Eye

The History of Boeing's Phantom Eye

The Boeing Phantom Eye is the next generation UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). The most unique aspect of the Phantom Eye is that it uses a liquid hydrogen-based propulsion system, which has efficiency and range as its key qualities.

Such a propulsion system means that there is no excessive engine exhaust or inherent fuel waste, as water is the only substance emitted by the engine, essentially making the Phantom Eye a "green" drone player (however, this fuel conversion technology is currently still exists, expensive). Other UAS in this class make extensive use of gasoline-powered engines (Predator/Reaper) or more recently full turbofan technology (Global Hawk) to increase the operational range and mission capabilities of UAVs.

The Boeing Phantom Eye drone is a product of Boeing's "Phantom Works" and works like a 1980s fighter jet to the same degree as the equally mysterious Lockheed owned by the famous F plane maker Lockheed Martin" Skunk Works" facility is similar. -117 Nighthawk is invisible. Currently, Boeing is considering different avenues for its Phantom Eye product - both civil and military, the aircraft can be used to monitor various changes on the ground for extended periods of time.

The Phantom Eye was first introduced to the public on July 12, 2010 at the Boeing exhibit at the St. Louis, Missouri facility. Ground testing of the aircraft is scheduled to begin in late 2010 at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. From there, the first flight of the Phantom Eye is scheduled for sometime in 2011.

Boeing isn't resting on its laurels in the competitive drone market, and is pursuing other drone projects, including a larger version of the Phantom Eye, which is designed to push the limits of range even further -- sources say, up to Up to 10 days - and carry larger dedicated internal payloads.

Boeing technically refers to the Phantom Eye as a "high-altitude, long-endurance" (or "H.A.L.E." for short) drone. As Boeing looks to its future, the drone market appears to be playing a big role on the modern battlefield, and Mirage -- or the technology gleaned from its development -- should drive the company's stock higher for some time to come.

For military aviation students who see the potential of revolutionary products like the Boeing Phantom Eye, this is a far cry from the "Scout" biplane air mounts used for enemy reconnaissance in World War I - these aircraft are Struggling to exceed 100 mph, service is capped at 15,000 feet, and less than 100 years ago, they had a 3-hour battery life.

In February 2014, the Phantom Eye status was changed from USAF to experimental service with the 412th Combat Group.

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