The X-47B (AV-2) conducted the 100th flight for the US Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program on Sept. 18.
The X-47B (AV-2) conducted the 100th flight for the US Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program on Sept. 18.
The Navy UCAS program successfully completed all objectives for the carrier demonstration phase with the X-47B in July.
During three at-sea periods over eight months, the X-47B conducted a total of 16 precision approaches to the carrier flight deck, including five planned tests of X-47B wave-off functions, nine touch-and-go landings, two arrested landings and three catapult launches.
The program is currently planning for continued carrier integration demonstrations and has also begun surrogate Learjet testing of the autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) capability, which promises to significantly increase the endurance and range of carrier-based unmanned aircraft. In FY14, the Navy UCAS program plans to conduct its air-to-air refueling (AAR) demonstration.
The mission of the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) Aircraft Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) is to mature technologies for a carrier (CV) suitable unmanned air system (UAS), while reducing risk for UAS carrier integration and developing the critical data necessary to support potential follow-on acquisition programs.
