Boeing X-45

Overview

The Boeing X-45 unmanned combat air vehicle is a concept demonstrator for a "next generation" of completely autonomous military aircraft, developed by Boeing's Phantom Works. Manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, the X-45 was a part of DARPA's J-UCAS project. After McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing, the stealth knowledge from Bird of Prey was carried straight into Boeing Phantom Works, which designed the X-45 UCAV. Boeing itself has stated that Bird of Prey “paved the way” for the X-45 by proving out stealth shaping and construction methods.