Boeing unveils CxR unmanned tiltrotor designed to work with AH-64 and Chinook helicopters
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Boeing has revealed its Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft (CxR), a next-generation unmanned tiltrotor concept introduced at the 2025 AUSA defense exhibition in Washington, D.C. The aircraft is designed to operate alongside AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, advancing the U.S. Army’s vision for manned-unmanned teaming.
Washington D.C., United States, October 20, 2025 – At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2025 defense exhibition in Washington, Boeing officially introduced the Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft, or CxR, an unmanned tiltrotor designed to fly in coordination with the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook. The CxR represents one of the company’s boldest moves yet toward realizing the U.S. Army’s manned-unmanned teaming strategy, enabling autonomous aircraft to support crewed platforms across reconnaissance, strike, and contested logistics missions. Boeing executives said the concept reflects the next phase of Army aviation modernization and future vertical lift innovation.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Artistic rendering of Boeing’s CxR unmanned tiltrotor concept, showcasing its modular design and expeditionary configuration intended for multi-mission roles alongside legacy platforms such as the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. (Picture source: Boeing Defense)
The U.S. Army has repeatedly emphasized that the future of warfare will involve tightly integrated teams of manned and unmanned aircraft. Boeing’s CxR concept aims to fulfill that requirement through a modular, expeditionary architecture capable of operating in austere conditions while executing missions autonomously or in coordination with crewed rotorcraft. More than just a technological demonstrator, CxR signals a fundamental shift in how the Army and allied forces could conduct combat and support operations across multiple theaters.
The CxR tiltrotor design merges the vertical takeoff and landing flexibility of a helicopter with the speed and range typically associated with fixed-wing aircraft. This combination makes it particularly well-suited for expeditionary operations in environments where conventional airstrips are unavailable or compromised. Its transformational potential lies in its modular mission core. The “x” in CxR stands for “transformational,” underscoring the system’s ability to reconfigure for missions ranging from attack and reconnaissance to maritime strike and resupply in contested zones.
Boeing has outlined two primary operational variants of the system. The Collaborative Combat Rotorcraft (CCR) configuration is designed to act as a loyal wingman to the Apache, providing reconnaissance, sensor extension, and strike capabilities. Meanwhile, the Collaborative Logistics Rotorcraft (CLR) variant would partner with the Chinook to support tactical resupply and sustainment missions deep in contested terrain. The system’s core airframe can accept mission-specific payloads such as advanced sensors, launched effects, electronic warfare packages, and precision munitions, allowing it to be rapidly tailored for evolving operational requirements.
Boeing officials describe the CxR as offering a rare combination of high-speed vertical lift performance with the low-speed agility typically associated with traditional helicopters. The company sees the modular tiltrotor concept as a flexible, expeditionary platform capable of supporting a wide array of mission profiles across multiple service branches, from rapid logistics and precision strike to reconnaissance and electronic warfare support. The design’s adaptability is central to Boeing’s pitch, positioning the CxR as a future-proof solution for joint force requirements in both peer and asymmetric conflict environments.
From a technical perspective, the CxR is expected to operate within a gross takeoff weight range of 5,000 to 7,000 pounds (2,270 to 3,175 kilograms), with a payload capacity between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds (450 to 900 kilograms) depending on configuration. The aircraft is powered by a single turboshaft engine driving twin tilting proprotors, enabling both hovering and fast cruise performance. Boeing has emphasized that the system is designed for expeditionary deployment, able to fit inside a C-130 transport aircraft for rapid mobility into theater. Although specific autonomy levels have not been detailed, the company has hinted at semi- or fully-autonomous flight control systems to support distributed operations and reduce crew burden.
Strategically, the CxR addresses several core challenges faced by U.S. and allied forces in future contested environments. It reduces risk to human operators by conducting high-threat missions independently or ahead of manned formations. It extends the reach of manned rotary-wing assets by matching or exceeding their range and speed. It also introduces modularity into rotary-wing operations, allowing forces to field fewer specialized platforms while achieving a broader range of capabilities.
However, the path to adoption is far from guaranteed. Integration of unmanned systems alongside legacy platforms continues to pose technical and doctrinal challenges. Reliable autonomy, robust command and control, and survivability against peer-level threats are all essential capabilities that remain in development across the defense sector. Additionally, Boeing will need to demonstrate cost control and schedule discipline, particularly given the historical complexity and expense associated with tiltrotor aircraft development.
In the near term, Boeing will focus on optimizing the concept’s configuration, advancing design maturity, and engaging with Army leadership to align CxR with emerging unmanned vertical lift acquisition pathways. Internal milestones may include subsystem prototyping and a possible technology demonstrator flight within the next two to three years. The company is also expected to pursue collaboration with defense partners to develop payloads, autonomy software, and mission systems tailored to the Army’s evolving operational requirements.
Boeing’s unveiling of the CxR represents not just the introduction of a new unmanned platform, but a strategic proposal for the future structure of Army aviation. It suggests a battlefield where unmanned tiltrotors operate alongside attack and transport helicopters, expanding tactical options, increasing survivability, and accelerating tempo. For Army Recognition readers, the emergence of CxR marks a defining moment in the evolution of rotary-wing warfare, signaling that the age of modular, high-speed unmanned rotorcraft is no longer conceptual, but fast approaching reality.Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition GroupAlain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.
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Boeing has revealed its Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft (CxR), a next-generation unmanned tiltrotor concept introduced at the 2025 AUSA defense exhibition in Washington, D.C. The aircraft is designed to operate alongside AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, advancing the U.S. Army’s vision for manned-unmanned teaming.
Washington D.C., United States, October 20, 2025 – At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2025 defense exhibition in Washington, Boeing officially introduced the Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft, or CxR, an unmanned tiltrotor designed to fly in coordination with the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook. The CxR represents one of the company’s boldest moves yet toward realizing the U.S. Army’s manned-unmanned teaming strategy, enabling autonomous aircraft to support crewed platforms across reconnaissance, strike, and contested logistics missions. Boeing executives said the concept reflects the next phase of Army aviation modernization and future vertical lift innovation.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Artistic rendering of Boeing’s CxR unmanned tiltrotor concept, showcasing its modular design and expeditionary configuration intended for multi-mission roles alongside legacy platforms such as the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. (Picture source: Boeing Defense)
The U.S. Army has repeatedly emphasized that the future of warfare will involve tightly integrated teams of manned and unmanned aircraft. Boeing’s CxR concept aims to fulfill that requirement through a modular, expeditionary architecture capable of operating in austere conditions while executing missions autonomously or in coordination with crewed rotorcraft. More than just a technological demonstrator, CxR signals a fundamental shift in how the Army and allied forces could conduct combat and support operations across multiple theaters.
The CxR tiltrotor design merges the vertical takeoff and landing flexibility of a helicopter with the speed and range typically associated with fixed-wing aircraft. This combination makes it particularly well-suited for expeditionary operations in environments where conventional airstrips are unavailable or compromised. Its transformational potential lies in its modular mission core. The “x” in CxR stands for “transformational,” underscoring the system’s ability to reconfigure for missions ranging from attack and reconnaissance to maritime strike and resupply in contested zones.
Boeing has outlined two primary operational variants of the system. The Collaborative Combat Rotorcraft (CCR) configuration is designed to act as a loyal wingman to the Apache, providing reconnaissance, sensor extension, and strike capabilities. Meanwhile, the Collaborative Logistics Rotorcraft (CLR) variant would partner with the Chinook to support tactical resupply and sustainment missions deep in contested terrain. The system’s core airframe can accept mission-specific payloads such as advanced sensors, launched effects, electronic warfare packages, and precision munitions, allowing it to be rapidly tailored for evolving operational requirements.
Boeing officials describe the CxR as offering a rare combination of high-speed vertical lift performance with the low-speed agility typically associated with traditional helicopters. The company sees the modular tiltrotor concept as a flexible, expeditionary platform capable of supporting a wide array of mission profiles across multiple service branches, from rapid logistics and precision strike to reconnaissance and electronic warfare support. The design’s adaptability is central to Boeing’s pitch, positioning the CxR as a future-proof solution for joint force requirements in both peer and asymmetric conflict environments.
From a technical perspective, the CxR is expected to operate within a gross takeoff weight range of 5,000 to 7,000 pounds (2,270 to 3,175 kilograms), with a payload capacity between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds (450 to 900 kilograms) depending on configuration. The aircraft is powered by a single turboshaft engine driving twin tilting proprotors, enabling both hovering and fast cruise performance. Boeing has emphasized that the system is designed for expeditionary deployment, able to fit inside a C-130 transport aircraft for rapid mobility into theater. Although specific autonomy levels have not been detailed, the company has hinted at semi- or fully-autonomous flight control systems to support distributed operations and reduce crew burden.
Strategically, the CxR addresses several core challenges faced by U.S. and allied forces in future contested environments. It reduces risk to human operators by conducting high-threat missions independently or ahead of manned formations. It extends the reach of manned rotary-wing assets by matching or exceeding their range and speed. It also introduces modularity into rotary-wing operations, allowing forces to field fewer specialized platforms while achieving a broader range of capabilities.
However, the path to adoption is far from guaranteed. Integration of unmanned systems alongside legacy platforms continues to pose technical and doctrinal challenges. Reliable autonomy, robust command and control, and survivability against peer-level threats are all essential capabilities that remain in development across the defense sector. Additionally, Boeing will need to demonstrate cost control and schedule discipline, particularly given the historical complexity and expense associated with tiltrotor aircraft development.
In the near term, Boeing will focus on optimizing the concept’s configuration, advancing design maturity, and engaging with Army leadership to align CxR with emerging unmanned vertical lift acquisition pathways. Internal milestones may include subsystem prototyping and a possible technology demonstrator flight within the next two to three years. The company is also expected to pursue collaboration with defense partners to develop payloads, autonomy software, and mission systems tailored to the Army’s evolving operational requirements.
Boeing’s unveiling of the CxR represents not just the introduction of a new unmanned platform, but a strategic proposal for the future structure of Army aviation. It suggests a battlefield where unmanned tiltrotors operate alongside attack and transport helicopters, expanding tactical options, increasing survivability, and accelerating tempo. For Army Recognition readers, the emergence of CxR marks a defining moment in the evolution of rotary-wing warfare, signaling that the age of modular, high-speed unmanned rotorcraft is no longer conceptual, but fast approaching reality.
Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.
