Northrop Grumman X-47B

Northrop Grumman X-47B
Land	Usa
Rolle	Unbemanntes Kampfflugzeug
Erstflug	4. Februar 2011
Gebaut	2

das Northrop Grumman X-47B ist ein unbemanntes Demonstrations-Kampfflugzeug (UCAV), das für Flugzeugträgeroperationen entwickelt wurde. Das X-47-Projekt, das vom amerikanischen Verteidigungstechnologieunternehmen Northrop Grumman entwickelt wurde, begann als Teil des J-UCAS-Programms der DARPA und wurde anschließend Teil des Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) -Programms der United States Navy. Die X-47B ist ein schwanzloses, düsengetriebenes Blended-Wing-Body-Flugzeug, das in der Lage ist, halbautonom zu arbeiten und aus der Luft zu betanken.

Quelle: Northrop Grumman X-47B auf Wikipedia

Northrop Grumman X-47B UCAS-D Rundgang
Fotograf	Wladimir Nikolajewitsch Jakubow
Lokalisierung	Edwards Air Force Base Air Show
Fotos	51

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General Characteristics and Role

The Northrop Grumman X-47B was an experimental, tailless, stealth-optimized jet aircraft developed under the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. Its primary role was to demonstrate the feasibility of operating an autonomous, high-endurance, fixed-wing aircraft from an aircraft carrier. The X-47B pioneered several critical naval aviation technologies, including autonomous catapult launch, arrested recovery, and autonomous aerial refueling, proving that uncrewed, large-scale systems could fully integrate into carrier operations. Its design is characterized by its distinct “flying wing” shape, which minimizes radar visibility.

Property	Typical Value (X-47B Demonstrator)
Rolle	Experimental Autonomous Carrier-Based UCAV
National Origin	USA
Hersteller	Northrop Grumman
First Flight	3 February 2011
Crew	0 (Autonomous or Ground-Controlled)
Länge	11.63 m (38 ft 2 in)
Wingspan (Unfolded)	18.92 m (62 ft 1 in)
Wingspan (Folded)	9.41 m (30 ft 10 in)
Maximum Takeoff Weight	Approx. 20,000 kg (44,000 lb)

Powerplant and Carrier Capabilities

Engine: 1 x Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220U turbofan engine.
Key Carrier Milestones: In July 2013, the X-47B completed the world’s first autonomous arrested landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier (USS George H.W. Bush). It later demonstrated autonomous catapult launch and in 2015, completed the first autonomous aerial refueling with a KC-707 tanker.
Stealth Features: The tailless configuration and the placement of the engine inlet atop the fuselage contribute to its very low observable (VLO) stealth characteristics.
Endurance: The platform was designed for very long endurance, potentially allowing for orbit times far exceeding those of crewed fighters.
Weapons Bay: The airframe included two internal weapons bays, capable of carrying approximately 2,000 kg (4,500 lb) of ordnance.

Program Outcome and Legacy

Success: The UCAS-D program was highly successful, validating every key technology required for a large, unmanned, stealthy platform to operate seamlessly within a carrier air wing.
Retirement: The program concluded in 2015, as its goal was technology demonstration, not production. The Navy opted to use the lessons learned to pursue the Carrier-Based Air Refueling System (CBARS) program, which evolved into the MQ-25 Stingray.
Influence: The X-47B’s autonomous capabilities and aerodynamic design are considered foundational for the development of the next generation of U.S. Navy and Air Force unmanned platforms.
Preservation: The two X-47B airframes are now preserved: one is at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, and the other is at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.