• The A160T can deliver at least 2500 pounds of cargo, from one simulated forward-operating base to another 75 nautical miles away, in well under the required six hours.
    The A160T can deliver at least 2500 pounds of cargo, from one simulated forward-operating base to another 75 nautical miles away, in well under the required six hours.
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The Boeing A160T Hummingbird has successfully completed a cargo delivery demonstration under a USMC Laboratory contract, proving the unmanned rotorcraft's ability to resupply frontline troops in rough terrain.

The Hummingbird met or exceeded all of the demonstration requirements during the tests, conducted March 9 - March 11 at the US Army's Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.

Boeing showed that the A160T could deliver at least 2500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another 75 nautical miles away in well under the required six hours.

The simulated mission carried 1250-pound sling loads over two 150-nautical-mile round trips, with the A160T operating autonomously on a preprogrammed mission.

The A160T completed seven test flights during the demonstration, including a two-minute hover at 12,000 feet with the 1250-pound sling load, and a nighttime delivery to a simulated forward operating base.

The A160T's ability to execute extremely accurate autonomous deliveries also was demonstrated.

The A160T has a 2500-pound payload capacity.

It features a unique optimum-speed-rotor technology that significantly improves overall performance efficiency by adjusting the rotor's speed at different altitudes, gross weights and cruise speeds.

The autonomous unmanned aircraft, measuring 35 feet long with a 36-foot rotor diameter, has hovered at 20,000 feet and cruised at more than 140 knots.

The A160T established a world endurance record in its class in 2008 with an 18.7-hour unrefueled flight.

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