The X-45A was the first modern UAV designed specifically for combat strike missions. The stealthy, swept-wing jet has fully retractable landing gear and a composite, fiber-reinforced epoxy skin. Its fuselage houses two internal weapons bays. The X-45 project was first managed by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, but in 2003 the Air Force and Navy consolidated the X-45 and X-47 programs under the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System Office. Highlighted in this image is the missile bay of the Boeing X-45A.

Created:

November 01, 2016

Photographer:

Eric Long

ID#:

A20070231000-NASM2018-10272

Source:

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Owner:

Smithsonian Institution

Rights Usage:

Public Domain

Terms of Use:

Smithsonian Terms of Use

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