Phantom Eye is a liquid hydrogen-powered high altitude long endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and communications. It is a propeller-driven lightweight structure with a high aspect ratio wing. Phantom Eye's advanced propulsion system, using hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, will provide persistent monitoring over large areas.

The Phantom Eye demonstrator, a Boeing-funded development effort, has proven the exceptional fuel economy of the liquid hydrogen propulsion system, producing only water as a byproduct. It is capable of maintaining the aircraft's altitude for up to four days while carrying a 450-pound payload. Typical payloads include multiple sensor packages for monitoring, tracking and communications. When properly equipped, Phantom Eye can relay information across its 400-nautical-mile line of sight horizon.

The demonstration vehicle completed its first medium-speed taxi test March 10, 2012, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in coordination with the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Phantom Eye, traveling atop its launching cart system, reached speeds of up to 30 knots as ground teams relayed directions and information using Boeing's advanced Common Open-Mission Management Command and Control (COMC2) software.

For more information, read the Phantom Eye backgrounder (pdf).