Northrop X-47B Assembly And Testing

Будущее палубной авиации США. Беспилотный истребитель-штурмовик. Courtesy: Naval Air Systems Command/NAVAIR, Northrop Grumman Corporation In August 2007, the U.S. Navy selected Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor for the Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. The program will demonstrate the first-ever carrier launches and recoveries, and autonomous aerial refueling by an autonomous, low-observable representative unmanned aircraft. The six-year $635.8 million contract calls for the development of two fighter-sized, long- range, high endurance aircraft designated the X-47B. Test activities are in progress that will lead to completion of the Navy’s carrier launch and recovery objectives by 2013. Successful at-sea trials will set the stage for potential follow-on acquisition programs. X-47B Specifications Wingspan 62.1 ft Length 38.2 ft Altitude higher than 40,000 feet Range greater than 2,100 nm Top Speed High subsonic Powe