In 2017 , Boeing began development of all-electric uncrewed CAVs designed to carry 500 pounds of cargo . The company used them as testbeds to understand the opportunities and challenges of applying advances in batteries , electric propulsion , and autonomous flight . In December 2019 , when Boeing partnered with The Walt Disney Co ., a crowd of spectators watched as two X-wing-outfitted CAVs flew over the Walt Disney World event . Ultraviolet spotlights illuminated the drones so that only the X-wing frame was visible .
“ As Disney Imagineers , we leverage new and emerging technology in service of the story-driven experiences we create ,” said Scott Trowbridge , senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering . “ Our work to bring a ‘ real ’ X-wing to the skies above Star Wars : Galaxy ’ s Edge — for the opening of a new attraction — was not only spectacular , but a moment representative of the immersive Star Wars experience coming to life .”
In the past , an aircraft like the X-wing would be limited to drawings and animations . Today , anything feels possible with the power of science , technology , engineering , and mathematics — mixed with a little imagination and a lot of hard work !
26 LET ’ S GO AEROSPACE