The two X-45A unmanned combat air vehicles are going on permanent display—one to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. and one to the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The Boeing UCAVs have flown 64 mishap-free flights. The X-45A has been lauded for its aviation firsts that “laid the groundwork for future unmanned combat aircraft,” according to a Boeing release.
The Air Force is slashing all civilian positions at its premier research institute for Chinese military aviation, prompting concern among experts who say it will dilute the service’s focus on the Pentagon’s most significant long-term adversary.
