Video: The Phantom Works 'Phantom Ray' Phinally Phlies!

 Boeing's Phantom Works advanced prototyping unit recently flew the autonomous Phantom Ray, and based on the video here, all seems to have gone extremely well. The Phantom Ray is an outgrowth (or continuation) of the X-45C, which was actually a significantly altered X-45A. Confused? Don't feel bad... it's getting a little hard to keep up with all the projects these days that seem to do away with tails and pilots!

 Some of my biggest confusion comes in separating the Northrop Grumman X-47B from the Phantom Ray. However, telling the two apart is easier than is seems at first if you key in on one major difference. The X-47B, which first flew back in February (see post with video), has a wing design that resembles a diamond shaped blended body with swept outer panels added on. The X-47A predecessor didn't have these extensions, but they've proved to be a very important part of adding stability and controllability to the design. Also, these outer panels fold up to reduce the footprint of the aircraft. This is important because the X-47B is intended to eventually operate autonomously off of navy aircraft carriers.

Planform view of the Northrop Grumman X-47B  (photo: Northrop Grumman)

 The Phantom Ray on the other hand, has a more simplified wing shape that has the leading edge point (the aircraft's nose) run in a straight line all the way to each wingtip. So if you're looking to tell these two apart, check the leading line. Whatever you do, don't confuse either of these with the still mysterious Lockheed Martin RQ-170. Like I said, it's getting a little confusing keeping all these unmanned, untailed flying machines straight in your head!

The Phantom Ray from Boeing's Phantom Works  (photo: Boeing)

 Lastly, the Phantom Ray is being funded internally at Boeing and it's not specifically headed toward any operational opportunity. It looks like it's Boeing's way of keeping up on the fast growing technology that surrounds these autonomous, potential fighter aircraft of the future. This is probably a smart move if they have any hope of eventually getting a contract from Uncle Sam for this fast-growing segment. I must say that in the view above, that's one hot looking shape : )