What does the X-47B do?
What does the X-47B do?
The X-47B is a tailless, strike fighter-sized unmanned aircraft developed by Northrop Grumman as part of the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) Carrier Demonstration program. AAR unlocks the full potential of what unmanned surveillance, strike and reconnaissance systems can do in support of the Navy.
Why was the X-47B Cancelled?
However, following extensive debate and programmatic deliberation, the UCLASS program was scrapped in favor of a less stealthy, unarmed refueler drone called the MQ-25 Stingray. Now, some prominent members of Congress are calling for the Navy to again pursue a UCLASS-like capability.
Is the X-47B operational?
The X-47B is a tailless jet-powered blended-wing-body aircraft capable of semi-autonomous operation and aerial refueling. In August 2014, the US Navy announced that it had integrated the X-47B into carrier operations alongside manned aircraft, and by May 2015 the aircraft’s primary test program was declared complete.
What sophisticated technologies are involved in the design of X-47B to realize totally autonomous operation?
The X-47B is outfitted with several Honeywell technologies, including the environmental control system (ECS), auxiliary power generation system (APGS), and H-764 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (EGI). The ECS helps control the temperature of all critical onboard avionics and electronics.
Can drones land on carriers?
An unmanned US jet has landed aboard an aircraft carrier for the first time. “Salty Dog502”, the US Navy’s X-47B drone, landed on the USS George H W Bush off the coast of Virginia, its first landing on a ship. The drone was first launched from the aircraft carrier in May but returned to a mainland runway.
Are there stealth drones?
The Air Force operates at least one other stealth spy drone, the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel. But the RQ-170 is small—just 66 feet from wingtip to wingtip. The Sentinel’s small size translates into limited altitude and range performance.
Does Northrop Grumman make drones?
Northrop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) provides real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) over vast ocean and coastal regions. The aircraft can fly over 24 hours at a time, at altitudes higher than 10 miles, with an operational range of 8,200 nautical miles.
What is US most advanced drone?
The Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel is an American unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Lockheed Martin and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)….Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel.
| RQ-170 Sentinel | |
|---|---|
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 20 to 30 |
What are Navy Warrant Officers called?
Navy Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs) are technical specialists who perform knowledge and skills of a specific occupational field at a level beyond what is normally expected a Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). The Chief Warrant Officer Program provides commissioning opportunities to qualified senior enlisted personnel.
What is the range of the X-47B?
The X-47B is powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220U engine and exhaust system. The aircraft has a high subsonic speed of approximately 0.45M and a range of approximately 2,100nm. The UCAS can fly to a maximum altitude of 40,000ft. Two autonomous jet-powered X-47B aircraft were built under the UCAS-D programme.
What is the X-47B UCAS aircraft?
The X-47B aircraft was integrated onto the US Navy’s carrier operations alongside manned aircraft in August 2014. The aircraft’s primary test programme was completed in May 2015. The X-47B UCAS was developed by the US Navy as part of the unmanned combat air system carrier demonstration (UCAS-D) programme.
What is the Northrop Grumman X-47B?
The X-47B is an unmanned strike fighter-sized aircraft developed by Northrop Grumman. Credit: US Navy. The X-47B is a low observable relevant unmanned combat air system carrier (UCAS) being developed for the US Navy. Credit: US Navy. The tailless UCAS is designed to serve the US Navy carriers at sea. Credit: Alan Radecki.
What is the US Navy’s X-47B?
The X-47B is a low observable relevant unmanned combat air system carrier (UCAS) being developed for the US Navy. Credit: US Navy. The tailless UCAS is designed to serve the US Navy carriers at sea.
