Boeing Hummingbird Starts Production
By Chief Robot. Filed in Military, Robot News |
An initial five A160T Hummingbirds are being produced now, with another 16 slated for the next 18 months in hopes to win a military contract.
The robotic helicopters would be used to re supply troops in dangerous areas like Afghanistan.
The Hummingbird was at the Dugway Proving Ground, Utah last week doing test for the Marines. This included hauling 2,500 pounds up to 75 nautical miles away withing 6 hours. The Hummingbird completed the tests within 5 hours.
The Hummingbird can reach a top speed of 140 knots, which is about 161 miles per hour and can adjust its rotor speed in mid flight to save on fuel. Most helicopters tend to have a fixed rotor speed.
See our previous Boeing Hummingbird post or click through for a video.
Link via (The Register)
