CINCINNATI, OH -- An F404-GE-102D engine (11,000 lb. pound class) and Advanced Systems Power Distribution Units (ASPDUs) combined to power the Boeing Phantom Ray unmanned airborne system in its successful first flight on April 27 at NASA's Dryden Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California, marking the start of a test program that could support a variety of unmanned missions including surveillance/reconnaissance, suppression of enemy air defenses and aerial refuelling.
First flight, which lasted for 17 minutes, was characterized by smooth takeoff, operation and landing. The aircraft flew to 7,500 feet and reached a speed of 178 knots.
"The engine operated flawlessly from start-up, through maneuvering and recovery, further validating the versatility and robustness of the F404 design," said Tony Mathis, general manager of Lynn Turbofan/Turbojet department at GE Aviation.
The F404-GE-102D is a non-afterburning variant based on the engine developed for the Boeing F/A-18. It is integrated in the Phantom Ray with a Boeing inlet and a GE-Boeing exhaust system and also includes both single-engine safety features and a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control system that enables the engine to communicate directly with the aircraft. The GE engine was selected for the Phantom Ray, based on the X-45B/C prototype, in 2002. The Phantom Ray is the fourteenth aircraft the F404 has been selected to power.
"The ASPDU is a state-of-the-art secondary power-distribution system, originally designed for the X-45B application," said Vic Bonneau, manager of Electrical Power for GE Aviation Systems. "Each ASPDU embodies dual redundant power supplies for 28Vdc and 270Vdc power. Its electromagnetic interference and lighting protection help ensure the Phantom Ray is one of the safest aircraft flying."
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components and integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.