News Review: Boeing offers A160T Hummingbird VTUAV to supply Marines in Afghanistan | ADM Dec 2010/Jan 2011

Boeing is preparing to offer a solution based on its A160T Hummingbird unmanned rotorcraft in response to the US Naval Air Systems Command’s Request for Proposal (RFP) for Cargo Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) Services.

The RFP calls for government-owned, contractor-operated UAS services for the US Marines in Afghanistan.

In March 2010, under contract from the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL), Boeing demonstrated the A160T’s ability to deliver at least 1.1 tonne of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another 75 nautical miles away in less than the required six hours.

The simulated mission delivered 570kg sling loads over two 150-nautical-mile round trips, with the A160T operating autonomously on a pre-programmed mission.

“Based on Boeing’s success in the MCWL demonstration, we are convinced we have the right solution to bring this important capability to the Marines in the field,” Vic Sweberg, Boeing director of Unmanned Airborne Systems, said.

“We are prepared to offer the best response to the Marines to support their ongoing efforts in Afghanistan.”

The autonomous A160T has a 1.1 tonne payload capacity with an 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 A160T 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.