US Navy photo Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated fully autonomous aerial refueling (AAR) with the X-47B Unma...
 |
| US Navy photo |
The test concludes the US Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System demonstration program.
While flying off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, the X-47B connected to an Omega K-707 tanker aircraft and received over 4,000 pounds of fuel using the Navy's probe-and-drogue method.
During the probe and drogue ("Navy style") test, the X-47B exchanged refueling messages with a government-designed Refueling Interface System (RIS) aboard the tanker, performing a close formation flight rendezvous with an Omega K-707 tanker.
Upon clearance from the tanker crew, the X-47B maneuvered into position behind the K-707 and successfully engaged the drogue. On completion of the refueling, the X-47B autonomously disengaged the drogue and maneuvered away from the tanker before returning to base.
 |
| US Navy photo |
The ability to autonomously transfer and receive fuel in flight will increase the range and flexibility of future unmanned aircraft platforms, ultimately extending carrier power projection.
Northrop Grumman's AAR technology pioneers a "hybrid" approach that integrates both GPS and infrared imaging to enhance navigational precision and hedge against GPS disruption.
Initial UCAS-D flight testing began in 2012 using a manned Learjet as a surrogate for the X-47B. These successful proof-of-concept flights demonstrated the overall feasibility of the X-47B AAR system and helped refine its navigation, command and control, and infrared sensor processing components.
Northrop Grumman is the Navy's UCAS-D prime contractor. The UCAS-D industry team includes Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, GKN Aerospace, Eaton, General Electric, UTC Aerospace Systems, Dell, Honeywell, Moog, Wind River, Parker Aerospace, Sargent Aerospace & Defense, and Rockwell Collins.
The X-47B is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney's F100-PW-220U turbofan engine and exhaust system. The F100-PW-220U engine is based on the extremely successful engine powering the F-15 and F-16 aircraft around the world. The nozzle was uniquely designed for the X-47B application.
The X-47B has proved the concept of a carrier-based jet that can take off and land on a moving aircraft carrier, integrate into the ship's operation and space, and formation flight with manned jets.
The technologies matured and developed through the X-47B program will be the foundation of US Navy's next-generation Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveilance and Strike (UCLASS) aircraft, which is scheduled for maiden flight in early 2020s.
