Northrop Grumman X-47B – Fotografie & videa

Tá Northrop Grumman X-47B je demonstrační bezpilotní bojový letoun (UCAV) určený pro operace na letadlových lodích. Projekt X-47, vyvinutý americkou společností Northrop Grumman, začal jako součást programu DARPA J-UCAS a následně se stal součástí programu UCAS-D (Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration) námořnictva Spojených států. X-47B je bezocasý proudový letoun se smíšenými křídly schopný poloautonomního provozu a doplňování paliva za letu.

Zdroj: Northrop Grumman X-47B na Wikipedii

The Northrop Grumman X-47B is a demonstration aircraft designed to test the feasibility of operating unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) from aircraft carriers. The X-47B is a tailless, jet-powered, stealthy aircraft that can perform autonomous takeoffs, landings, and aerial refueling. The X-47B is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and is intended to demonstrate the potential of UCAVs for strike missions in high-threat environments.
The X-47B made its first flight in 2011, and successfully completed its first carrier-based launch and recovery in 2013. The X-47B program was concluded in 2015, after achieving several milestones and setting records for UCAV performance. The X-47B is considered a precursor to the Navy’s planned MQ-25 Stingray program, which aims to develop a carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling system.