US Navy/Northrop Grumman team move closer to carrier trials The US Navy is one large step closer to introducing its first carrier-based unmanned combat aircraft. On Friday, 4 February, the Northrop Grumman-built X-47B successfully completed its first flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The X-47B is an unmanned combat air system (UCAS) technology demonstrator designed as a stealthy long-range reconnaissance and strike aircraft.
According to Northrop Grumman, the tailless, delta-shaped aircraft took off at 2:09 pm PST and performed a 29-minute maiden flight above Rogers Dry Lake. This flight was an important milestone to prove the aircraft’s basic aeronautical capabilities and performance. Friday’s successful test flight allows the team to move ahead in the process of demonstrating its technological abilities to develop an operational fighter-sized unmanned aircraft that can safely operate from a US Navy aircraft carrier.
