X-47B UAV successfully launched by catapult
The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator being developed by Northrop Grumman for the US Navy has been successfully launched from a catapult for the first time. The test was carried out on 29 November at a shore-based catapult facility at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
This test marks the first of several shore-based catapult-to-flight tests that will be performed before the navy's UCAS Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) programme catapult launches the X-47B from a ship.
Northrop Grumman, prime contractor for the UCAS-D programme, and the US Navy carried out a test flight following the launch over Chesapeake Bay near Patuxent River. According to the company, the flight included several manoeuvres designed to simulate tasks that the aircraft will have to perform when it lands on a ship, including flying in a typical ship holding pattern, and executing a carrier approach flight profile. The flight also allowed the test team to gather precision navigation data associated with each of those manoeuvres.
The tests also provided the team with a further opportunity to demonstrate the precision operation of the Northrop Grumman-developed Control Display Unit [CDU], one of the key elements of future flight deck operations for the X-47B. The CDU is a wireless, arm-mounted controller that will allow a flight deck operator to control and manoeuvre the X-47B on the flight deck, including moving it into the catapult, disengaging it from the carrier's arresting wires and moving it quickly out of the landing area.
Mike Mackey, Northrop Grumman's UCAS-D program director, said: ‘Today's successful launch is another critical milestone in the carrier-suitability testing phase of the UCAS-D programme. It also provides another confidence-building step toward our rendezvous with history next year.’
Over the next few weeks, the UCAS-D programme expects to conduct several shore-based catapults at Patuxent River. The aircraft is also undergoing deck handling trials in December, ahead of the 2013 plans to demonstrate the ability of an X-47B to operate from a US Navy aircraft carrier, including launch, recovery and air traffic control operations.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
