An Eye in the Sky
Phantom Eye is a liquid hydrogen-fueled, high-altitude and long-endurance unmanned aircraft system for persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and communications missions. The demonstrator aircraft is capable of maintaining its altitude for up to four days while carrying a 450-pound payload. Typical payloads include multiple sensor packages for monitoring, tracking and communications. A full size Phantom Eye variant is designed to stay aloft for up to ten days and carry a payload of 2,000 pounds.
An Aircraft Like No Other
Water Emissions
The Phantom Eye uses two modified liquid-hydrogen Ford 2.3-liter engines, which only emit water, a reduction gearbox and a four-blade propeller.
Round-the-Clock Capability
Boeing designed the Phantom Eye to operate around the clock for several days at a time at 65,000 feet (19,800 meters).
450-Pound Payload
The Phantom Eye is capable of carrying up to 450 pounds (204 kilograms) of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance or communications equipment.
Light-weight design
The Phantom Eye has a lightweight structure and takes off from a cart, both of which reduce fuel consumption.
Phantom Eye Milestones
Feature Stories
Boeing's Phantom Eye Takes a Huge Step Forward
February 12, 2014 in Defense, Technology
The liquid hydrogen-fueled, high altitude long endurance unmanned aircraft system is promoted to experimental status by the U.S. Air Force.
Learn More
Phantom Eye's Next Generation
January 6, 2014 in Defense, Technology
The hydrogen-powered unmanned aircraft flew its sixth flight test, surpassing its previous endurance high mark, flying for longer than five hours.
Learn More
Phantom Eye Flies Again
February 26, 2013 in Defense, Technology
Two weeks after completing taxi tests, Boeing’s Phantom Eyetook to the skies on Feb. 25, 2013.
Learn More
The Phantom Eye: The Eye in the Sky
June 4, 2012 in Innovation, Defense
Boeing's Phantom Eye is an unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) that serves as an eye in the sky for surveillance, disaster relief, search and rescue, and a multitude of other uses.
Learn MorePhantom Eye Quick Facts
- The Phantom Eye began as internally-funded, but the Missile Defense Agency assisted the program with a $6.8 million contract.
- This advanced unmanned aerial system is a natural evolution of Boeing’s earlier success with the piston-powered Condor.
- The Condor set several records for altitude and endurance in the late 1980s.