The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is now home to a unique piece of Disney theme park history - an X-Wing drone.
The heavily modified Boeing CV2 Cargo Air Vehicle (CAV) is now being displayed at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. This CAV, notable for being the first large remotely piloted eVTOL (electrical vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft used in a commercial operation in the U.S., played a unique role in the opening of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World.
In a collaboration between Boeing and Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development, the CAV carried X-wing "body shells" to complete the illusion of an X-Wing flying over Batuu. The drone's flight, which took place in December 2019, featured the CAVs flying with X-wing frames illuminated by ultraviolet lights, creating a spectacular visual effect for the audience.
In 2017, Boeing began developing all-electric uncrewed CAVs designed to carry 225 kilograms (500 pounds) of cargo. The company used these as testbeds to understand the opportunities and challenges of applying advances in batteries, electric propulsion, and autonomous flight.
"As Disney Imagineers, we leverage new and emerging technology in service of the story-driven experiences we create," said Scott Trowbridge, senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. "Our work to bring a 'real' X-wing to the skies above Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge for the opening of a new attraction was not only spectacular, but a moment representative of the immersive Star Wars experience coming to life."
The X-wing CAV has a wingspan of 20.2 feet and 128-kilowatt direct-drive electrical motors. It will be displayed with the vertical flight collection at the museum's Udvar-Hazy Center beginning May 3.
Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox