City Council Approves Three-Year Hangar Lease

Boeing's unmanned A160T Hummingbird helicopter has legs... and we're not just talking about its recent endurance record. The program appears headed for a long future, with the company planning to significantly expand its operations at Southern California Logistics Airport (VCV) in Victorville.

The Victorville Daily Press reports the City Council recently approved a three-year lease for Boeing at the airport. Under terms of the deal, Boeing will pay the city $4,099 per month for the first year's lease on Hangar 879 at the former military installation. The rent will go up 3 percent for the second and third years.

Boeing's exact plans for the almost 7,000-square-foot building are classified... but Boeing spokesman Steve Mattei said the company plans to use the extra room to expand the A160T program, and continue development. Boeing already works from a number of other buildings at VCV.

As ANN reported, in May the Hummingbird established a new world endurance record for UAVs weighing between 1,102 and 5,511 lbs., of 18.7 hours. Boeing has tested the Hummingbird in Victorville since 2002, under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency contract. The program has suffered two minor crashes, including one last December.

"This has been an aggressive flight test program, and A160 has made excellent progress," said DARPA program manager Phil Hunt. "The result has been a steadily increasing level of confidence and reliability."

Boeing plans for the Hummingbird to eventually fly up to 36,000 feet.

FMI: www.boeing.com/ids