After months of comprehensive ground and
T-33 testing the first care vehicle is
deemed ready for its much-anticipated
first flight.
The flight test must prove
not only vehicle air worthiness but also
that the command and control link
between the aircraft and the mission control station
is reliable.
Build your knowledge.
Yeah, apparently they [inaudible]
May 22nd 2002
The Sun slowly rises over Rogers Dry Lake,
It is an auspicious morning that marks the first
demonstration of the UCAV system.
The flight will be commanded from the
Mission Control console in the on-site
Mission Control station trailer.
This console will provide the operator with
the decision aids and situation awareness
necessary to control the UCAV.
Though only one air vehicle will be tested today
the mission control console is
designed to control up to four drones simultaneously
Take off my mark...Ready...Ready...Mark
Take off command issued.
Crow mix is in.
Throttle up
[music]
50 knots
[music]
120 knots
[music]
She's off
[music]
NASA 852...Standby...Right turn...52
[music]
And Stingray One...I'm showing One Niner Seven knots,
7540 feet...Stingray One
Line up is good...Aim point is good.
[music]
Touchdown
The day is a complete success.
In the 14-minute flight, the X-45A reaches an
airspeed of 195 knots and an altitude of 7500 feet
It is a significant jump in
the maturing of the program's innovative technologies.
The flight marks the beginning of what will be a
nine month-long flight demonstration system check out.
After months of meticulous planning
the team is ready for flight.
It is the first ever multi-vehicle demonstration
by a single operator and a must need
achievement for the program.
[music]
Commanding go...Sting Ray One
[music]
Commanding go...Sting Ray Two
[music]
The air vehicles must maintain formation
relative to a simulated third aircraft
that is to be their virtual lead.
843....Release brakes now
Take off commaning...Sting Ray One
[music]
[sound of jet engine powering up]
120...go for flight
Edwards tower...Sting Ray Zero One is airborne.
Takeoff commanded Sting Ray Two
Edwards tower...Sting Ray Zero Two is airborne.
[music]
The vehicles join up at 15,000 feet.
With over a mile of lateral separation they
autonomously maneuver to preserve their configuration.
[music]
Engaging formation maneuver
[music]
Edwards tower...Sting Ray Zero One inbound landing
Lakebed Two...Three...Right
[music]
And Edwards Tower...Sting Ray Zero Two's
final approach...Two...Three...Right
[music]