Boeing looks to the future

In the next few weeks, scientists and engineers at Boeing's Phantom Works research centre will test a small-scale version of a new type of flying machine known as a canard rotor/wing. A cross between a helicopter and an aeroplane, it can take off and land within a confined area using a rotor, and then lock the rotor in place to fly like a fixed-wing plane. When scaled up, this machine could be used for reconnaissance, armed escort and other military applications.