© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
The future of naval aviation warfare.
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:
Want to leave a tip?
We answer to you. Help keep our content free of advertisers and big tech censorship by leaving a tip today.
Want to join the conversation?
Already a subscriber?
more stories
Sign up for the Blaze newsletter
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Get the stories that matter most delivered directly to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.