X-47B UCAS — Eight Videos
Unmanned Combat Air System
Program Overview: The X-47B is a transformational, carrier-capable, multi-mission unmanned combat air vehicle. Strike fighter-sized, it is a survivable, long-range, high-endurance platform capable of a variety of missions including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Time Sensitive Targeting/Strike.
Navy UCAS Program: The Navy Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program was awarded to Northrop Grumman Corporation on 1 August 2007. The six-year, $635.8 million contract called for development of two X-47B low-observable unmanned air systems to demonstrate the first-ever carrier-based autonomous launches and recoveries. The program leveraged Northrop Grumman's previous investment in technology to yield a mature, low-risk, cost-effective approach as the essential first step toward full-scale development in support of the Naval Aviation Master Plan.
As a carrier-based force multiplier, the X-47B will be the first stealthy, tailless, jet-powered UCAS to operate from the carrier deck. Envisioned to complement manned systems and act as a key enabler for persistence in the battlespace, it is capable of ISR and time-sensitive strike missions with an internal payload of 4,500 pounds and an unfueled range of 2,100 nautical miles with maximum payload.
First Flight: On 4 February 2011 at Edwards Air Force Base, a Navy and Northrop Grumman team flew the X-47B for the first time from a ground control station. The 29-minute flight was conducted at 5,000 feet with landing gear down, flying a racetrack pattern over the dry lakebed. Rear Admiral Bill Shannon, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, called it "breaking new ground by developing the first unmanned jet aircraft to take off and land aboard a flight deck." The first of two aircraft completed initial testing in late 2011 before transfer to Patuxent River Naval Air Station for the carrier demonstration program.
Updated June 10, 2015: added aerial refueling video #8.
Specifications
Wingspan 62.1 ft Length 38.2 ft Altitude > 40,000 ft
Payload (internal) 4,500 lb
Power Plant: Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220U
Top Speed: High subsonic
Unfueled range w/max payload: 2,100 nautical miles
Air refueling provisions: USN/USAF