DefenceTalkThe X-47B test UAV has completed the first-ever autonomous aerial refueling. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the drone received over 4,000 pounds of fuel from a tanker jet just off the coast of Virginia. “What we accomplished today demonstrates a significant, groundbreaking step forward for the Navy,” Captain Beau Duarte, program manager for the Navy’s unmanned […]https://www.defencetalk.com/for-the-first-time-ever-us-navy-drone-refueled-mid-flight-63926/

DefenceTalkThe X-47B unmanned combat air system is gearing up for shore-based flight test activities in preparation for the next round of sea trials this summer. The program’s test team will conduct various test events with the X-47B over the next few months in an effort to mature air traffic control and ground support standard operating […]https://www.defencetalk.com/navys-x-47b-program-ramps-up-flight-test-59477/

DefenceTalkThe Navy concluded another round of carrier testing Nov. 19 to further demonstrate and evaluate the X-47B unmanned air system integration within the aircraft carrier environment. Tests aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) included deck handling, carrier approaches and landings in off-nominal wind conditions, digitized ship systems interfaces, and concept of operations development. “The X-47 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/navy-x-47b-unmanned-combat-air-system-completes-carrier-tests-49705/

DefenceTalkThe X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) conducted flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Nov. 10. The event, the most-recent in a series of carrier-based tests, demonstrated the integration of the latest in naval aviation technology with the most advanced and capable carrier. This weekend’s tests demonstrated the X-47B’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/x-47b-operates-aboard-theodore-roosevelt-49607/

DefenceTalkThe X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completed its first carrier-based arrested landing on board USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) off the coast of Virginia July 10. “It isn’t very often you get a glimpse of the future. Today, those of us aboard USS George H.W. Bush got that chance as we witnessed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/x-47b-makes-first-arrested-landing-at-sea-48353/

DefenceTalkUSS George H.W. Bush (AT SEA): The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D) completed its first ever carrier-based catapult launch from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) off the coast of Virginia today. “Today we saw a small, but significant pixel in the future picture of our Navy as we begin integration of unmanned […]https://www.defencetalk.com/x-47b-catapulted-from-us-navy-aircraft-carrier-47791/

DefenceTalkThe Navy’s X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator completed its first-ever arrested landing here May 4, another key step to mature the system for its historic carrier-based tests later this month. “Landing an unmanned aircraft on an aircraft carrier will be the greatest singular accomplishment for the UCAS demonstration and will serve as the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/x-47b-completes-key-milestone-as-it-prepares-for-carrier-tests-at-sea-47717/

DefenceTalkRockwell Collins Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) was used by Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy as they successfully completed a series of deck handling trials of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). The exercises demonstrated the ability to maneuver the tailless, strike-fighter-sized aircraft quickly […]https://www.defencetalk.com/tactical-targeting-network-technology-for-deck-handling-trials-of-x-47b-47220/