Northrop Grumman X-47B

Northrop Grumman X-47B
Country	USA
Role	Unmanned combat air vehicle
First flight	4 February 2011
Built	2

The Northrop Grumman X-47B is a demonstration unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) designed for aircraft carrier-based operations. Developed by the American defense technology company Northrop Grumman, the X-47 project began as part of DARPA’s J-UCAS program, and subsequently became part of the United States Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. The X-47B is a tailless jet-powered blended-wing-body aircraft capable of semi-autonomous operation and aerial refueling.

Source: Northrop Grumman X-47B on Wikipedia

Northrop Grumman X-47B UCAS-D Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Edwards Air Force Base Air Show
Photos	51

Northrop Grumman X-47B 01

Northrop Grumman X-47B 02

Northrop Grumman X-47B 03

Northrop Grumman X-47B 04

Northrop Grumman X-47B 05

Northrop Grumman X-47B 06

Northrop Grumman X-47B 07

Northrop Grumman X-47B 08

Northrop Grumman X-47B 09

Click on a photo and use the mouse scroll to view all photos

Wait, Searching Northrop Grumman X-47B for you…

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)
Role	Experimental Autonomous Carrier-Based UCAV
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
First Flight	3 February 2011
Crew	0 (Autonomous or Ground-Controlled)
Length	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.