X-45C has chosen their engine

Boeings X-45C has chosen the General Electric F404-102D.
You have probably heard of this engine before, its on several aircraft, such as: T-50, F/A-18, F-117A, JAS 39, A-4S Super Skyhawk, India LCA, X-31 EFM.

Its a great working well known engine that has being around since the 80's. Its thrust ranges from 10,500 to 18,100 lbs.

I think they chose an older engine design to keep the costs down because the whole concept of UAV's is Cheaper & Safer. So its not a big suprise that they picked an older but very good and reliable engine.

The X-45C will take to the skies in 2-3 years.

Boeings X-45 enigne

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Great plane, great photo

THey already chose the engine for the X-45B version, which was never build.
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X-45B conceptual design

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X-45C concept with weapons

Assembly began June 8th 2004, first flight is scheduled for early 2006.

[edit on 11-22-2004 by Zion Mainframe]

Excellent pictures people!.
This is the future of combat! I hope they launch it soon so less of our pilots would come in harms way.
It would be great if they make an Unmanned multirole combat Aircraft. That would really be useful !

Here's another!
www.af.mil...


EDIT: Please dont post huge pics, they screw up the lay out

[edit on 11-22-2004 by Zion Mainframe]

Whats the difference between the A and the B?

I know what the "A" looks like and what the "C" looks like, but i was unaware of a "B" design.