Boeing Bird of Prey

las / Boeing

Role	Stealth testbed
Manufacturer	Mc Dnnnell Douglas / Boeing
First flight	1996
Retired	1999
Status	Experimental
Number built	1

• Crew: 1
• Length: approximately 47 ft (14.30 m)
• wingspan: approximately 23 ft (7.00 m)
• Height: 6 ft (1.83 m)
• max take off weight: 7,380 lb (3,350 kg)
• Powerplant: 1× Pratt & Whitney Canada JT 15D - 5C , 2,900 lbf (12.9 kN)

Performance

• max speed: 260 knots (482 km/h)
• service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,100 m)

The Bird of Prey aircraft was developed intending to demonstrate stealth technology . it was a low cost program ( a price of $67 million) compared to many other programs . It developed technology and materials which would later be used on Boeing's X-45 unmanned combat air vehicle. It is characterized as a technology demonstrator.Development of the Bird of Prey began in 1992 by McDonnell Douglas's Phantom Works division for special projects. The first flight was in 1996, and 39 more were performed through the program's conclusion in 1999.The Bird of Prey is designed to prevent shadows and is believed to have been used to test active camouflage , which would involve its surfaces changing color or luminosity to match the surroundings.