Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas and its advanced research, development, and prototyping division in 1997, now has hired a competing military aviation firm executive and test pilot leader to lead Phantom Works in Colin Miller. Additionally, what used to be several divisions of Phantom Works will now be one combined division.
✕ Remove Ads What is Boeing's Phantom Works divsion?
Phantom Works, famous for developing, among other products, a fuel cell demonstrator airplane, the Bird of Prey low observable concept, the MQ-25 Stingray tanker drone, and the T-7A Red Hawk trainer, was born by Herman Barkey, the "father" of the F-4. Its role within Boeing, as Boeing explains, is,
"Phantom Works pushes beyond perceived limits and embraces taking risks to deliver strategically disruptive, innovative, sustainable and production-ready capabilities to the Warfighter. We believe the phrase "it can't be done" is a myth, and our team eagerly takes on the toughest challenges, bringing cutting-edge technologies to life - from seabed to outer space."
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Phantom Works, as previously covered in a guide on Boeing's St. Louis operations, has 16,000 employees and is currently working on new manufacturing facilities that in the words of Boeing, uses computer designed products to be manufactured at factories to not just have a "common experience" for Boeing customers but enjoy,
"The latest advancements in model-based engineering, automation, augmented and virtual reality, full-sized determinant assembly, modularity and more to improve first-time quality, reduce costs and enable flexibility."
In short, Phantom Works is more than an airframe development firm. Phantom Works also works on autonomy, manufacturing, space, vertical lift, and weapons. One can watch a Phantom Works project:
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With that, what skills does Colin Miller have to lead Phantom Works through developing these projects?
Introducing Colin Miller
Colin Miller, formerly a Northrop Grumman Vice President of Mission Assurance and Programs and then an Aeronautics Sector Vice President, Engineering said in a LinkedIn post when hired,
"Fired up to help solve the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense, and cyberspace with the Northrop Grumman team at this exciting time in aerospace, and this critical time in our history. Let's go!"
Safe to say, Mr. Miller contributed to the launch of Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider stealth bomber, which is now being considered for an air superiority role also. But Mr. Miller also before Northrop Grumman was a test pilot, Vice President of Flight Operations, and Senior Vice President for Innovation, Engineering & Flight for the business jet manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace.
✕ Remove Ads Miller's service in the US Air Force
Preceding all of this was a significant time in the United States Air Force (USAF) service. Among other USAF units, Miller led include the Director of Requirements from 2005 to 2007 for the F-35 when it was called the Joint Strike Fighter -- which means that Miller helped with the specifications the eye-watering F-35 had to meet. Miller then built on this by commanding the 40th Flight Test Squadron, the 96th Test Wing Director of Safety, and eventually the 46th Test Wing. Below are some photos from a 40th Flight Test Squadron AIM-120 test on the F-15E Strike Eagle platform.
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The 40th Flight Test Squadron did developmental tests and testing of avionics, sensors, and weapons for the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Viper, and A-10 Warthog, according to a 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs July 8, 2009 statement. Meanwhile, according to a July 22, 2011, Team Eglin Public Affairs statement when then-Col. Miller took command, and Miller took over the 46th Test Wing when the wing was doing "developmental testing, evaluation of conventional munitions, command and control systems, navigation and guidance systems," as well as F-35 test work and special operations support. Additionally, quoting from an Eglin Air Force Base factsheet Clearly fields of work that make Colin Miller qualified to lead Phantom Works.
Keep up with the latest Simple Flying coverage of military aviation here .
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This was followed by being the 96th Test Wing's Chief of Safety. To show some of Miller's leadership style, one can quote from a November 16, 2012 Team Eglin Public Affairs statement, Miller was quoted as saying in a pre-holiday safety briefing,
"You are important to Eglin's mission and leadership... We want you back for two reasons. The first is we can't do our job here at Eglin without you. You have a critical role in our mission capability. The second reason is we care about you. The Air Force is a family. If we lose any member of the family, the whole family suffers."
So what does Colin Miller bring to Phantom Works's mission and leadership?
Bottom line: Colin Miller is a well-rounded aviation executive
It's clear that with Phantom Works working on prototyping, and at least one major product that will have to enter the United States Air Force test in the T-7A Red Hawk:
✕ Remove Ads Related Explained: 3 Tests Advancing The T-7A Red Hawk Trainer Program
Civilian airliner safety controversies notwithstanding, Boeing's defense projects continue undaunted. The T-7 Redhawk is a prime example
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Boeing's Phantom Works needs to earn acceptance and orders of the future US Air Force fighter pilot lead-in trainer, so having a US Air Force veteran commander of test pilots and a former test pilot is a bonus. Additionally, with the MQ-25 Stingray being prepared for the US Navy and the MQ-28 Ghost Bat for the Royal Australian Air Force deep in development alongside Phantom Works' participation in other fighter jet development like the F/A-XX and autonomous aviation development - Boeing needs test pilot leadership experience for Phantom Works, which Miller has. Miller also has experience leading business divisions working on engineering problems like manufacturing, which makes him a good fit for leading Phantom Works. Ultimately, Boeing has hired a well-rounded executive to lead a comprehensive prototyping division.
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