Engineering:Lockheed Martin X-44 (UAV)
| X-44A | |
|---|---|
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| X-44A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. | |
| Role | High-altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology demonstrator |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 2001 |
The Lockheed Martin X-44A is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology demonstrator built by the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.
Development
After the 1999 cancellation of the RQ-3 Darkstar, Lockheed Martin decided to build a technology demonstrator for a potential family of flying wing UAVs that could be used for combat and non-combat roles. The resulting X-44A (although apparently unrelated to the previously developed X-44 MANTA) was built in 1999 and first flew in 2001, representing an interim design between the Darkstar and P-175 Polecat. However, Lockheed Martin kept the X-44A under wraps until February 2018.[1][2]
Design
The X-44A is reportedly made from nano-carbon fiber and is powered by a Williams F122 turbofan engine. The wingspan of the X-44A is 30 feet (9.1 m), half of that of the RQ-170 Sentinel.[1]
Display
The X-44A is currently on display at the National Museum of the US Air Force, near Dayton, Ohio, in the Research and Development gallery housed in Building 4.[3]
Gallery
Towing the X-44A to the Research and Development Gallery at NMUSA
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel
- Lockheed Martin RQ-3 Dark Star
- Lockheed Martin P-175 Polecat
Related lists
- List of unmanned aerial vehicles
- List of military aircraft of the United States
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Rogoway, Tyler (March 23, 2018). "Exclusive Photos: Lockheed Skunk Works' X-44A Flying Wing Drone Breaks Cover" (in en). http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/19582/exclusive-photos-lockheed-skunk-works-x-44a-flying-wing-drone-breaks-cover.
- ↑ Trimble2, Stephen (March 26, 2018). "Lockheed's Skunk Works reveals missing link in secret UAV history" (in en). https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/lockheeds-skunk-works-reveals-missing-link-in-secre-447041/.
- ↑ "Lockheed Martin X-44A". https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2386085/lockheed-martin-x-44a/.
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