Check Out the Navy’s Next-Gen Stealth Fighter Drone in Cruise Mode
- Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:38pm by
Buck Sexton
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Want to see the Navy’s super-advanced stealth drone that looks like the Silver Surfer’s board?
We thought so.
Yesterday the Navy announced its test phase X-47B stealth drone flew in cruise configuration for the first time. The Blaze told you about the X-47B for the first time back in February, and now we update that story with the testing progress of this revolutionary new aircraft.
Usually it’s the Air Force or the Army that gets drone headlines. That is starting to change as the U.S. Navy refines its carrier launched, UAV fleet.
The X-47B is a strike fighter-sized unmanned aircraft currently under development as part of the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. Under a contract awarded to Northrop Grumman in 2007, there are now two X-47B aircraft undergoing flight tests.
The plan is for these lethal UFO-looking drones to undergo aircraft carrier-based launches and recoveries by a second UAV platform in 2013.
The UCAS-D program will help greatly advance carrier landing and integration technologies. By 2014, the Navy hopes to have autonomous aerial refueling of the X-47B aircraft as an additional option.
UCAS-D could be a game changer for the U.S. Navy’s fleet. If successful, the program could lead to the deployment of carrier-launched drones around the world. That would mean no more risking naval aviators for aerial strike missions or enforcing a no-fly zone.
Below you can watch the X47-B take off for a short test flight, video courtesy of Airboyd.tv:




















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Comments (108)
mr molotov cocktail
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:23pmthere is no stealth anymore even i- can set up a some system that detects- radar absorbing materials
its what you hunt for….
true stealth is not possible with modern technology!@
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 5:04pmlibs hate drones. It is bad enough when we kill the enemy, when we kill the enemy with no possibility of an american service member getting killed or wounded, the libs just can not take it/.
Report Post »Attention2Detail
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 5:14pmMaybe you should learn to write before you try to invent a new stealth detection system. Even is that technology you talk about does exist; our enemies don‘t have it and they’re the ones that we don’t want seeing us coming.
Report Post »paperpushermj
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 5:29pmThe shape of the aircraft contributes the majority of stealth Mr Smarty Pants.
Report Post »WeDontNeedNoSteeeenkinBadges
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 6:52pmSo now that we‘ve got one of these things flyin’ around, showin’ off for the DC big-wigs, what to do with it? Ripley knows …
“Nuke the entire site fom orbit”
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCbfMkh940Q
V-MAN MACE
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 7:52pmTrue stealth is possible.
You simply excite the atoms of a material to spin at such a rate and angle that they absorb all electromagnetic radiation of the target spectrum, which consequently causes an object to lose reality and become virtual (imaginary).
This effect also allows time travel, teleportation, and faster than light travel in hyperspace.
It’s akin to the slippery surface of ice, the rotation of the surface atoms causes it to roll under an object like marbles, reducing friction and resistance.
The rotation of the surface atoms of an object can cause it to “slip” through spacetime, causing it to “disappear” (become imaginary) or “delocalize” , sort of like the delocalization of electrons in a pi radius.
Report Post »scott2012
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 8:37pmMolotov is right. All they look for is a hole in the air anymore.
Report Post »The10thAmendment
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 10:56pmV-MAN MACE
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 7:52pm
True stealth is possible.
You simply excite the atoms of a material to spin at such a rate and angle that they absorb all electromagnetic radiation of the target spectrum, which consequently causes an object to lose reality and become virtual (imaginary).
This effect also allows time travel, teleportation, and faster than light travel in hyperspace.
It’s akin to the slippery surface of ice, the rotation of the surface atoms causes it to roll under an object like marbles, reducing friction and resistance.
The rotation of the surface atoms of an object can cause it to “slip” through spacetime, causing it to “disappear” (become imaginary) or “delocalize” , sort of like the delocalization of electrons in a pi radius
Report Post »—————————————————————————————————————————————-
Quantum Mechanics is an inexact theory at this time, but I would agree that currently we can manipulate sub-atomic molecules to make objects undetectable by radar, sonar, or any other electronic detection methods. In many test cases even visuals are rendered subjective. The observer can actually glimpse motion without even realizing size, or what they thought they saw. You have to chuckle about just how advanced the Military complex is if you realize that Stealth was first “formally” operational in 1983. The F-117 is Model T level news now.
The10thAmendment
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 11:08pm@ scott2012
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 8:37pm
Molotov is right. All they look for is a hole in the air anymore.
Report Post »———————————————————————————————————————————————
Ten years ago, yeah. Today computer detailing fills the hole. The Raptor is an evil little thing and its sisters. Saying that they track holes in space isn’t really accurate, they can plot a solution based on wavelength. That problem from the F-117 was the center of efforts for stealth technology afterwards. It was solved.
coindexter
Posted on October 13, 2011 at 12:19amawesome aircraft…so when do we turn it over to the U.N. and NATO? already did?…o.k.
Report Post »Dems8it2010
Posted on October 13, 2011 at 8:52am@mr molotov cocktail Yeah man *bong hit* I could build a laser guidance system *cough cough choke* in my garage using a tube of toothpaste, 3 paper clips and a Wii remote. *bong hit*
Report Post »nelan72
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:16pmNow they can deliver the broccoli and peas to all those “poor?” people.
Report Post »Will4Freedom
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 4:33pmIt IS the government’s job to protect us. It is NOT their job to feed us.
If you remove our military, we will soon be eating rice, not peas.
Report Post »seldomscene
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 8:17pmAttention to detail………………..How is that spelling going?
Report Post »inexiletill2012
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:13pmLooks like a “UFO” flying over Area-51. ???…..maybe those UFO kooks are all wrong…it was our government doing test flights of actual aircraft rather than “flying saucers”
Report Post »fatjack
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:21pmwuhahahahha you took the words right out of my mouth.
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 4:37pmI’m pretty sure that is what a lot of ufo sightings are.
Report Post »owlxxx
Posted on October 13, 2011 at 8:29pmWhen we were test flying it out in China Lake, there were reports of ufos.
Report Post »muggl3z
Posted on October 14, 2011 at 12:36amI agree, I bet this sucker contributed to a BUNCH of UFO sightings. But, all it takes is one UFO sighting to be real to change the game. :D
Report Post »teapartyconservatism
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:05pmThe latest and greatest Allah introduction device! How did Obama let this one get by him?
Here’s the new and improved blog providing the facts repressed by politicians and the media, on how to be certain if Obama really is ineligible and what Congress knows about it! http://teapartyconservatism.blogspot.com
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:19pmThanks for the link !
Report Post »docvet
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:58pmStill, there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that the last thing a terrorist hears before he dies is …nothing! And his nearby (not too nearby) associates wonder where the he11 that came from and am I next? Hopefully they will go with a bit of fear on their faces rather than a smile of satisfaction as the infidels head roll across the floor. BTW, does anyone think we are the only country working on these things? I hope somebody is working on an anti-drone drone (whole bunches of little cheap expendable ones).
Report Post »JRook
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 4:05pmSo when we are done going broke and blowing up the entire country with our billion $ weapons we will have what to show for it. Rubble and a whole new generation of Islamics who hate us. This whole campaign n the Middle East was nothing more than a replacement for the Communist threat that fuel military spending after WWII. Korea, Vietnam, etc. Billions of $$, 10,000 of lives wasted and what to show for it. Great new weapons. We need to change the story and invest in the US in a manner that promotes meaningful technological advances and economic superiority. We put a man on the moon in ten years without the technology at the time of the statement of the goal. Can you imagine how far along the electric car would be and thus how much less dependent on middle if we invested in that instead of these useless wars. Our deficit is absurdly high at this point. The real crime though is how the money was poorly directed and invested. We can build high tech planes to kill insurgents who have left over Russian AK47s at best, but we can’t rebuild our aging infrastructure.
Report Post »Attention2Detail
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 5:22pm@JROOK
You need to look ahead a little more. These aren’t for desert dwelling cavemen. We will need these when China takes the technology that we keep giving them and the money we keep giving them and decide to take over the rest of the world. The big threat is still Communism. Of course if we don’t stop it at home first, we won’t have to worry about China.
Report Post »emty44
Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:43am@jrook, so what you are saying is the government is not supposed to do it’s constitutionally mandated job and instead spend money making electric cars that no one wants……I thought Obama was doing that now, GM’s stupid $40,000 electric Volt. typical liberal wiener…pun intended…. I personally think we should build about ten or so of these, load them with all the nukes they can carry and go blow up Iran Afghanistan and any other terrorist hiding middle-eastern country, and then dare another terrorist state to try and mess with the US…..no imperialism, no rebuilding countries, no mercy…that is just me though
Report Post »liberalsarealiens
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:53pmAs a pilot it makes me sad to think we are needed less with each break through in tech. Although enevitable it’s still sad. Alot of dogfighting heros are rolling over in their graves but will never be forgoten!
JChayseed
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 8:16pmEven drones need pilots. They just don’t put their life on the line by being in the actual vehicle.
Report Post »Donald727
Posted on October 13, 2011 at 10:29pmYou can always buy a J3
Report Post »snowdrop
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:50pmLooks like just the answer to Iran’s new nuclear plant…..
Report Post »PerfectDuck
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:19pmIndeed, and we can send in his big brother B-2 to destroy the nuclear centrifuges in the mountian near Qom!…. oh wait Obamao still needs Iran to help him destabilize the world.
Report Post »Jefferson
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 4:46pmThere‘s no way you’re going to stop Iran’s nuclear program without a full scale ground invasion.
They may be able to slow it down a little bit, but they will just go deeper underground, if they haven’t already.
They are allies with China and Russia, so anything is possible. They could probably buy a nuke if they wanted to.
This reactor isn’t some piece of junk that the french sold them, like what was bombed in Iraq by the Israelis.
I‘d be surprised if Iran didn’t learn from the mistakes of Iraq, and buried and hardened their facilities accordingly.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:31pmSo it begins: Ender’s game goes into reality testing phase! For those that don’t know “Ender’s Game” is a book….very easy and nice book to pass the time with too.
Report Post »Gzeee1969
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:42pmGreat read!
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:59pmWould you care to give a brief synopsis of the book, for those of us who may want to read it ?
Report Post »brotherjohn
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:22pmI don’t understand the objections. All this system does is take the pilot out of the equation. They are not the ones that plan the missions or select the targets the vast majority of the time. Use some common sense. This will take our pilots out of harms way.
As for the question of this being fair or not, that went out the window as soon as we started defending against an enemy that refuses to comply with the Geneva Convention. They are cowards and do not deserve the respect of looking them in the eye while we kill them.
Report Post »skitrees
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:58pmFirst – I agree, there is no “fair” when the goal of war is to pound the enemy into submission/surrender (via the means of mass death and destruction of infrastructure). However, the human element is very important in any decision, and being there is always different than seeing it through a camera. I’m excited by the limited use of something like this, but as we’ve learned all-too-well, the government is very poor at “limiting” anything other than freedom.
Report Post »skitrees
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:00pmWonder how long before “Anonymous” et al decide to fly one of these on their own? How long after that will we see our own fleet turned against us? Nothing like that could happen though, right?(keylogger virus).
Report Post »KenInIL
Posted on October 13, 2011 at 3:27pmWhat are we going to do with all those $130 M F-35′s we have ordered? Are they all for the Natl Air & Space Museum?
Report Post »taxedenuf
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:16pmI love our Dale Brown stealth strike capability. But I really fear that bombs have such high levels of “collateral deaths” which then open the doors to all those people’s relatives to bomb people because their loved one died that way. And on, and on, it goes. I’ll be much happier when our stealth fighter drones are equipped with lasers which kill individuals rather than people in the vicinity.
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:28pmThat technology exists now. However, a Hellfire missile striking an individual planting a roadside bomb has a greater psychological impact on the other terrorists that witness the strike. Rather than putting a neat little laser hole in the guy, you basically turn him into a fine red mist, nothing left.
Report Post »TermLimits4All
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:02pm@taxedenuf
But I really fear that bombs have such high levels of “collateral deaths” which then open the doors to all those people’s relatives to bomb people because their loved one died that way. And on, and on, it goes.
So how do you explain the fact that USA and Japan are such strong allies since WWII?
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 4:35pmThe war with islam cannot be won with bullets or lasers or missiles.
Report Post »It must be won with moral and theological weapons.
In the meantime, I ABSO-TIVELY-POSI-LUTELY glad we have these such weapons to defend ourselves and to keep the enemy at bay.
Too bad they’re drones, though, looks like a mean little rocket with wings!
I can only IMAGINE the capabilities of its envelope!
Would love to log some hours in a beastie like that!
Evil_Conservative
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 5:23pm@ TomFerrari
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 4:35pm
“war with islam cannot be won with bullets or lasers or missiles.
It must be won with moral and theological weapons.”
*******
when i read that I couldn’t help but remember…
*******
“My mother said violence never solves anything.” …. “I’m sure the city fathers of Carthage would be glad to know that.”
“Anyone who clings to the historically untrue …. doctrine that “violence never solves anything” I would advise to conjure up the ghosts of Napoleon Bonaparte and of the Duke of Wellington and let them debate it. The ghost of Hitler could referee, and the jury might well be the Dodo, the Great Auk, and the Passenger Pigeon. Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor, and the contrary opinion is wishful thinking at its worst. Breeds that forget this basic truth have always paid for it with their lives and freedoms.”
Robert Heinlein – 1959 – Starship Troopers
Report Post »Thevoice
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:14pmGood …Now how fast can we have thousands of them ready….And can I get to fly one from my home pc. Because I know just whose throat I want to get my hands on….
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:19pmI can think of multiple throats brother !
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:07pmHow long before the Usurper in Chief apologizes to the rest of the world for this technological breakthrough and offers the technology to our enemies so America won’t be seen as the evil oppressor he believes us to be. Barack Husein Obama you make me physically ill !
Report Post »Thevoice
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:16pmThat’s the truth …Seen the story come out today with the Japnesse …
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:54pmYay, now we can kill without geting our hands dirty.
I’m glad it keeps pilots safe. I’m sorry we are becoming so detached from the evil that killing really is.
When a man had to put his hands on another man to kill him, and watch him die up close, smell his last breath, see his eyes roll back, it was more honest somehow. Between the video games and the new Video Game Military I think we are making it way too easy to kill. And the numbers of people being killed seem to support that theory. This is not the same planet I was born on…
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:58pmBravo… War is suppose to Dirty and Evil, without Laws… and, if you make it Easy, you will have War FOREVER!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:58pmOur enemies kill us with bombs hidden under their clothes. That seems less horable than this. I for one belive this country only kills the ones that need killing.
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:12pmTo quote the great General Patton; “The object of war is not to die for your country, it is to make the other poor son of a bitch die for his country!” Would you rather our enemies had this technology before us?? If you do then you are a fool and there is no hope for you.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:13pm@Gonzo
“…the ones that need killing.”
When I was younger that phrase didn’t bother me. These days, I find it more… problematic…
Report Post »Goldlady
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:24pmYou are sorely mistaken, 1138 on where the evil lies. It is such a sad commentary when we have so many people who take this country for granted, the greatness of it, to be so passive about identifying the real evil.
As a Christian, I know souls will have to answer for what they did here on Earth to fight evil, as we are expected to. The people who stand by and watch it happen will be judged just as harshly as those that propagate the evil acts.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:25pm@TyrannyNoMore
What happens when they do? Will you still be a fan of killing our (weaker) enemies?
Killing is not something endorsed in my religion. As I get older I understand the reasons better and better.
Just sayin’…
Report Post »Jefferson
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:30pm@GONZO
Report Post »They are strapping bombs on themselves and detonating them, because their country has been INVADED. We would be doing the same if a foreign country invaded us, was kicking in our doors, torturing, and killing innocent civilians. Imagine if one of YOUR loved ones was killed by a foreign army that had invaded your homeland.
You act as if it‘s alright to go over in your neighbor’s yard and kick their dog all the time, and then act all offended when the dog finally bites you.
Chinese Troops Invade Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKfuS6gfxPY&feature=player_embedded
THX-1138
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:31pm@Goldlady
All due respect but, I can’t remember the sermon where Jesus advised us to kill our enemies before they kill us. I got an entirely different read from His words…
Report Post »TRUK62
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:38pmI can’t help wondering how a person like you (THX-1132) would feel about killing our enemies if someone in your family was show on TV getting their head sliced from their body with a rusty old butcher knife (now that’s getting your hands dirty!) while screaming out in horror until that part of the anatomy is sliced through until there they lay,…… in a pool of blood, head placed on the small of their back stareing out emotionless while the islamic Occultist bastards that did this danced around, screaming about how great their got iswho just loves this sort of ****. Why don‘t you try getting your hands dirty once THX mayhaps you wouldn’t be so quick to be a moron.
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:40pmI’m not a fan of killing anyone if they leave us alone. However, it is extremely naive to assume if we, as a country disarm, our enemies will respond in kind. Are you prepared to kneel on a prayer rug and worship Allah once America has fallen to the Muslims. You sound like a gentle soul, and I can respect that. However, I believe Christ would not expect us to lie down and be slaughtered rather than defend our faith in him. Turning the other cheek can only be taken so far. He does not want luke -warm Christians…… so says the Holy Bible.
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:47pm@TRUK62
Study Buddhism.
I would feel badly for the person being murdered and worse for the one killing him. The murdered man would have done nothing wrong for which he would have to ultimately pay. The murderer would be condemned to pay that bill for many lifetimes.
It is my understanding that Jesus would see the situation in a similar light.
If all you can see is what is before your eyes then you are bound to misunderstand.
Report Post »TRUK62
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:53pmNo, it’s not the same one… hurry and go back. On this planet we still take killing seriously, hence the lowest collateral damage numbers ever counted on the field of battle.. All that romantic crap about feeling a mans life ebb away and that other spirit of the warrior crap works in movies but not in real life.
Report Post »So…. slip on back to La La Land and go back to your painful but romantic deaths of war. I‘ll stay here on earth where we try to kill as few as possible and search for the ultimate weapon that doesn’t kill anyone but the target. So rar only snipers and rifelment can achieve that..
THX-1138
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:56pm@TyrannyNoMore
I feel you. I really do. Even the Dalai Lama has said that “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
My only point is that killing is supposed to be a last resort, when every last possible alternative has been exhausted. From what I see in both our society and our government (a reflection of that society) we kill first. It’s simple. It works (for a time). But, ultimately, it only leads to more killing.
I have no answers. I’ve barely begun to get the right questions.
I will say this; I have always believed that good fences make good neighbors. Perhaps if we just minded our own business a bit more and insisted that others do the same…
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 3:25pm@TRUK62
I‘m not so sure I’d want to hang out with a bunch of people whose only claim to fame is being the most efficient killers on the planet. It takes a little bit more than that to impress me.
Report Post »emty44
Posted on October 13, 2011 at 1:54am@jefferson…we did not draw first blood in this war, but we will draw final blood, they hated us and bombed us long before we ever set foot in their land as an enemy combatant……hell we even trained them to help defeat the Soviets in the early ‘80’s………
Report Post »DanWesson455
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:53pmI guess there are no more military secrets. Just go on youtube and learn everything we have in development. They; pick one, china, russia, india, sierra leone, probably have the tech drawings already.
Report Post »nappy
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:58pmIf you see it online it is already old. You aren’t told about what is in the works. Have some faith.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:29pmI want one.
Report Post »Micmac
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:53pmThis one comes with the built-in keystroke recorder as the standard model.
NoBama 2012
Report Post »tankyjo
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:52pmMan, I love my country, and the people who make us great! Thank you, all who serve, and God bless you.
Report Post »Deb C
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:50pmUp in the sky…is it a bird?…a plane? Looks like a UFO thingie – hmm.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:50pmLiberals… and their Robot Toys… suck. I like Skill, Bravery, Honor, and Heros!
Report Post »Evil_Conservative
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:50pmdidnt drones get hacked all over the place just last week? hope they figure out how to better secure these before they go stealth.
Report Post »USAMEDIC3008
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:55pmSky-Net comes to mind.
Report Post »ooskerDoo
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:49pm“Where you from… you sexy thing you (you sexy thang you…)
Report Post »wesleyapril
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:50pmI am in no way comfortable with this – they can’t even figure out their old drones have viruses until they read it on the internet! Do you want your country to own something that they don’t know if it is infected or not?
Report Post »garbagecanlogic
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:49pmWonder if Barry Soetero has sold all the secrets to the chinese yet?
The U.S. Out Of The U.N.
Report Post »The U.N. Out Of The U.S.
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:51pmKnowing Obama he probably just up and gave it to them.
Report Post »brian8793
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:49pmThis is amazing. No wonder so many people hate us.
Report Post »Blackhawk1
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 2:31pmHate and envy are closely linked. They hate because they envy our technology.
Report Post »ToddinVB
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:49pmI love jet noise, but would rather have these fly over my house that the FA18′s. Must look like an RC model launching from a Carrier deck.
Report Post »ToddinVB
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:53pmor not…
Report Post »leonardoverse
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:47pmDoes it come in black?
Report Post »Evil_Conservative
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:47pmSkynet here we come.
Report Post »wesleyapril
Posted on October 12, 2011 at 1:51pmI think you have a point :)
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