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Unique Partnership Takes Flight
During a dedication ceremony at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort on December 4, 2019, attendees were treated to a stunning aerial performance featuring two remotely piloted Boeing drones dressed as X-wing fighters to mark the opening of the “Rise of the Resistance” attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Out of This World Innovation
Originally Boeing CV2 Cargo Air Vehicles (CAVs), the drones were transformed into iconic X-wing designs as part of a collaboration between Boeing and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development. These heavy-duty drones were showcased soaring over a simulated mountain range during a livestreamed event, captivating audiences with their impressive display of technology and creativity.
One of these specially dressed drones is now housed in its new home at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, which is a part of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. This unique aircraft is a symbol of the cutting-edge advancements in the field of autonomous aircraft development.
Pushing Boundaries of Innovation
Boeing’s innovative approach to drone technology has led to the development of all-electric uncrewed CAVs capable of carrying up to 500 pounds of cargo. The X-wing themed drone, with a wingspan of 20.2 feet, is equipped with powerful direct-drive electrical motors, highlighting the potential for heavier vertical takeoff and landing cargo drones in both military and commercial applications.
Roger Connor, vertical flight curator at the museum, emphasized the significance of this partnership in advancing drone technology for various uses, stating that the collaboration between Boeing and Disney Imagineers showcases the incredible possibilities that exist in the realm of autonomous aircraft.
Future of Flight
Scott Trowbridge, senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, expressed the excitement of integrating cutting-edge technology into immersive storytelling experiences. The collaboration between Boeing and Disney has not only brought the X-wing to life in the skies above Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge but has also set a new standard in merging innovation with entertainment.
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