Disney's X-Wing Drone on display at National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has added a significant piece of Disney theme park history to its collection: a Boeing CV2 Cargo Air Vehicle (CAV) modified to resemble an X-Wing from Star Wars. This drone, which is part of the museum's vertical flight collection at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, played a pivotal role during the opening of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World by simulating X-Wing flights. This collaboration between Boeing and Walt Disney Imagineering involved the CAV carrying X-wing body shells and using ultraviolet lights for dramatic effect, showcasing the integration of advanced technology and storytelling in creating immersive experiences.