Boeing NeXt completed a controlled takeoff, hover and landing during the flight, which tested the vehicle's autonomous functions and ground control systems
Photo courtesy of Boeing
Boeing last week successfully completed the first test flight of its autonomous passenger air vehicle (PAV) prototype, the company announced in a release.
The PAV, named Boeing NeXt, completed a controlled takeoff, hover and landing during the flight, which tested the vehicle's autonomous functions and ground control systems. Future flights will test forward, wing-borne flight, as well as the transition phase between vertical and forward-flight modes.
Powered by an electric propulsion system, the PAV prototype is designed for fully autonomous flights from takeoff to landing, with a range of up to 50 miles (80.47 kilometers). Measuring 30 feet (9.14 meters) long and 28 feet (8.53 meters) wide, its advanced airframe integrates the propulsion and wing systems to achieve efficient hover and forward flight.
In addition to the PAV, the Boeing NeXt portfolio includes an unmanned fully electric cargo air vehicle (CAV) designed to transport up to 500 pounds (226.80 kilograms) and other urban, regional and global mobility platforms. The CAV completed its first indoor flight last year and will transition to outdoor flight testing in 2019.
