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!
62 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS