Boeing (Frontier Systems) A160 Hummingbird

Being a specialist in prototype fabrication led Paul to participation in two DARPA funded projects for the Department of Defense using his acute experience in engineering design and fabrication for Frontier Systems located in Irvine, CA from March of 1999 to April of 2001. Paul was an integral team member that managed the fabrication shop and was also in charge of the aircrafts powerplant design, prototyping, construction, and procurement.

Paul's key function and responsibility laid with providing advanced technical experience modifying the Subaru WRX engine and designing the acuating mechanism assemblies among other critical tasks and components.

The development of the A160 Hummingbird unmanned long-endurance helicopter was begun by Frontier Systems in 1998 under a DARPA contract. The first step was the development of suitable flight control systems by converting a Robinson R22 helicopter to UAV configuration. The unmanned R22 is currently marketed as the Maverick UAV.

The A160 itself first flew in January 2002. Its primary feature is the unconventional rotor system. The Hummingbird uses a rigid rotor, with blades that are tapered and have a varying cross section from root to tip. Other than more conventional helicopters, the A160's rotor operates over a wide range of RPM (revolutions per minute). The whole system is designed to provide more efficient flight and higher overall performance (speed, altitude, fuel economy). Apart from the rotor system, the A160 is a relatively conventional design, using a two-blade tailrotor and a retractable wheeled landing gear. It can operate both autonomously (including take-off, GPS waypoint navigation, return to base, and landing) and under remote control. The payload section in the nose can accommodate up to 450 kg (1000 lb) of equipment and sensors, and there is provision for EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) sensor payloads in a turret under the forward fuselage.

In May 2004, Frontier Systems was acquired by Boeing. A total of 10 A160 airframes are to be built, and flight testing is continuing to expand the performance envelope and to develop and integrate dedicated sensor packages for various potential military missions (reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, etc.). As of 2005, the Hummingbird program has also been sponsored by the U.S. Army and Navy, both potential customers of an operational version.

On 15 June 2007, Boeing announced the first flight of the A160T, a turbine-powered derivative of the A160. Boeing is currently under contract to build ten A160T aircraft for DARPA and the U.S. Special Operations Command.

Related Links

http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/systems/a160.htm

http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/hummingbird.html

BOEING HUMMINGBIRD A160 AND PAUL Click here to view the photo gallery for the Boeing Hummingbird A160 UAV project.

A160 HUMMINGBIRD AT A GLANCE
Length: 35 feet (10.6 meters).
Control: Remotely piloted or autonomous flight.
Rotor diameter: 36 feet (11 meters).
Power plant: Modified automobile engine (gasoline).
Top speed: 140 knots per hour.
Ceiling: 30,000 feet (9,100 meters).
Customer: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Payload: Up to 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms).
Endurance: Up to 24 hours depending on mission and payload weight.
Potential uses: Reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, communication relay and battlefield resupply.
Location: Test flights conducted at the Southern California Logistics Airport near Victorville, Calif.