Autonomous Unmanned Combat Aircraft, X-47B, Makes Successful First Flight

Northrop Grumman’s X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator has successfully completed its first flight from Naval Air Station Patuxent (Pax) River. The unmanned aircraft launched from Pax River and flew for 35 minutes, and reached an altitude of 7,500 feet at a speed of 180 knots before landing back at Pax River. Matt Funk, UCAS lead test engineer said, "This milestone event is the first of many flights at Pax River to demonstrate X-47B's compatibility with aircraft carrier flight procedures and launch recovery equipment. The unique airspace and ship equipment at Pax River allow us to conduct the testing here before we land aboard the aircraft carrier next year". UCAS-D team members will utilize the specialized testing capabilities and facilities available at Pax River in the coming months to validate the X-47B's ability to perform in an aircraft carrier environment. Land-based testing will establish if the X-47B has the ability to conduct precision approaches and to perform arrested landings and catapult launches prior to actual aircraft carrier operations.