PATUXENT RIVER, Md.,
April 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/
-- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the U.S. Navy
successfully demonstrated fully autonomous aerial refueling (AAR)
with the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D)
aircraft yesterday, marking the first time in history that an
unmanned aircraft has refueled in-flight.
Photos accompanying this release are available at:
http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=32331.
This is another historic aviation milestone for the X-47B, which
in 2013 became the first unmanned aircraft to autonomously launch
from and recover aboard an aircraft carrier. In combination, these
landmark demonstrations constitute a major step forward in autonomy
that has application in both manned and unmanned aircraft.
Autonomous launch, recovery and refueling have the potential for
reducing operational costs in the future.
"AAR testing with the X-47B helps solidify the concept that
future unmanned aircraft can perform standard missions like aerial
refueling and operate seamlessly with manned aircraft as part of
the Carrier Air Wing," said Capt. Beau
Duarte, the Navy's Unmanned Carrier Aviation program
manager.
During the probe and drogue (or "Navy-style") AAR demonstration,
the X-47B performed 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.
"We are very pleased with the outcome of this first round of
probe and drogue flights with the X-47B," said Pablo Gonzalez, UCAS-D program manager, Northrop
Grumman Aerospace Systems. "The AAR system and X-47B both performed
as expected. While we would certainly benefit from additional probe
and drogue flight testing, we have reached a tipping point at which
AAR is now feasible."
Northrop Grumman began developing AAR technology for both Navy
and Air Force application nearly a decade ago, pioneering 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.
To learn more about the X-47B UCAS Program, visit:
http://bit.ly/18iGc2J.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems,
cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and
commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
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SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation