Disney’s X-Wing from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge now on display at National Air and Space Museum

Disney’s X-Wing from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge now on display at National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has acquired a unique piece of aviation history: a Boeing CV2 Cargo Air Vehicle (CAV). This drone holds the distinction of being the first large, electric, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to be flown commercially in the US.

The CAV gained fame during its starring role at the opening of Walt Disney World’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction. Boeing partnered with Walt Disney Imagineering to transform two CV2s into X-wing fighters, complete with body shells, for a spectacular flyover. This one-of-a-kind aircraft, a gift from both Boeing and Walt Disney Imagineering, will now be on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

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“While lightweight delivery drones are being tested at a number of locations around the nation, the development of heavier vertical takeoff and landing cargo drones for military and commercial use is one of the most promising areas of autonomous aircraft development,” said Roger Connor, vertical flight curator at the museum. “The Boeing Cargo Air Vehicle was the first of these allowed to perform a commercial flight in the United States—in this instance, carrying a Star Wars X-wing shell that was used at Walt Disney World.”

Boeing started developing the CAV in 2017. These fully electric, unmanned vehicles were designed to haul cargo weighing up to 500 pounds. They served as flying test labs, helping Boeing explore the potential and challenges of using electric propulsion, advanced batteries, and autonomous flight. Fast forward to December 2019: Boeing teamed up with Walt Disney. During a special event at Disney World, two CAVs transformed into X-wings with the help of special effects. Ultraviolet spotlights made the drone bodies disappear, leaving behind only the illusion of iconic Star Wars starfighters soaring through the night sky.

“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.”

This X-wing-clad Boeing CAV boasts a wingspan of 6.2 meters (20.2 feet) and gets its power from 128-kilowatt electric motors. It takes flight in the museum world starting May 3rd, joining the vertical flight collection on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center.

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