We saw Boeing's Phantom Eye take its first flight last June, and this week, with upgraded software and hardware to challenge the heights, it will take its 2nd flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California. It fared decently well in the first flight, reaching a height of 4,080 feet at a speed of 62 knots (71mph/115 kmph) , though had a shaky landing, breaking its landing gear in the process, making the manufacturers to think of ways to improve the landing system , along with the autonomous flight systems and engine oil pumps.
A Taxi testing was also done, with the demonstrator carrying the 150 feet winged aircraft at 40 knots without much problem, taking things closer to the 2nd flight. The aircraft is designed to fly at a height of 65,000 feet and carry payloads upto 450 pounds, for 4 days non stop with its liquid hydrogen fuel, whose combustion will only yield water, apart from the monstrous energy of course
Source: Boeing
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