Boeing has unveiled plans for an autonomous tiltrotor drone designed to operate as a wingman for US military aircraft.
Called the Collaborative Combat Rotorcraft (CxR), the concept is envisioned to take on multiple roles, from logistics support to maritime strikes.
Boeing reportedly plans for the CxR to reach speeds of 250 knots (288 miles/463 kilometers per hour) while carrying up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms) of payload.
It will also be designed to accommodate a range of equipment, including sensors, munitions, and electronic warfare suites, providing military aircraft such as Chinook and Apaches with a flexible escort.
“Our CxR concept has the potential to meet any number of mission requirements across all the service branches,” said Boeing’s Vertical Lift Chief Engineer Chris Speights.
Production details remain limited, but Boeing said the concept is being shaped for a rapid delivery timeline while keeping manufacturing costs low.
‘Transformational System’
Boeing described the CxR as an “expeditionary” concept, capable of deploying rapidly to hard-to-reach locations.
Once in the field, it can operate independently for extended periods without relying on mission control centers.
“The unique advantages of a modular, tiltrotor concept can provide our customers with a proven high-speed vertical takeoff and landing option that also maintains the low-speed handling qualities that are comparable to a helicopter,” Speights noted.
The CxR concept was introduced to the public at the 2025 Association of the United States Army exhibition.
