Lockheed Martin X-44 (UAV)

Not to be confused with Lockheed Martin X-44 MANTA.
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: “Lockheed Martin X-44” UAV – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (October 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

The Lockheed Martin X-44A is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology demonstrator built by the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.

Development #

After the 1999 cancellation of the RQ-3 Darkstar, Lockheed Martin decided to build a technology demonstrator for a potential family of flying wing UAVs that could be used for combat and non-combat roles. The resulting X-44A (although apparently unrelated to the previously developed X-44 MANTA) was built in 1999 and first flew in 2001, representing an interim design between the Darkstar and P-175 Polecat. However, Lockheed Martin kept the X-44A under wraps until February 2018.

Design #

The X-44A is reportedly made from nano-carbon fiber and is powered by a Williams F122 turbofan engine. The wingspan of the X-44A is 30 feet (9.1 m), half of that of the RQ-170 Sentinel.

Display #

The X-44A is currently on display at the National Museum of the US Air Force, near Dayton, Ohio, in the Research and Development gallery housed in Building 4.

Gallery #

• Towing the X-44A to the Research and Development Gallery at NMUSA

  <li class="gallerybox" style="width: 182px">
  </li>
  <li class="gallerybox" style="width: 182px">
  </li>
  <li class="gallerybox" style="width: 182px">
  </li></ul> 
  
  <p>
  </p>
  
  <h2>