This UAV is 35 feet in length with a 36 foot diameter rotor and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW207 turboshaft engine. The Hummingbird is capable of flying 2,500 nautical miles and can support a payload of some 300 pounds for long distances and somewhat larger payloads for shorter distances. An unusually quiet craft, the Hummingbird is able to stay aloft for 24+ hours and can attain speeds of about 140 knots (160 m.p.h.), with a ceiling of 30,000 feet in elevation. Boeing completed a new, variable speed rotor design for the unit which saves fuel as the operator can slow the rotation rate. Also used in the construction of the craft is hingeless, rigid carbon fiber. Ten Hummingbirds were delivered to SOCOM last month. Although currently an unarmed craft, future versions could include small stealth weapons and even lightweight missiles.
Satnews Daily
December 2nd, 2008
Boeing's Hummingbird Finds Its Way Into SOCOM
This UAV is 35 feet in length with a 36 foot diameter rotor and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW207 turboshaft engine. The Hummingbird is capable of flying 2,500 nautical miles and can support a payload of some 300 pounds for long distances and somewhat larger payloads for shorter distances. An unusually quiet craft, the Hummingbird is able to stay aloft for 24+ hours and can attain speeds of about 140 knots (160 m.p.h.), with a ceiling of 30,000 feet in elevation. Boeing completed a new, variable speed rotor design for the unit which saves fuel as the operator can slow the rotation rate. Also used in the construction of the craft is hingeless, rigid carbon fiber. Ten Hummingbirds were delivered to SOCOM last month. Although currently an unarmed craft, future versions could include small stealth weapons and even lightweight missiles.