X-47B demonstrates autonomous aerial refuelling
The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft successfully demonstrated fully autonomous aerial refuelling (AAR), as announced on 22 April.
The demonstration was conducted by Northrop Grumman and the US Navy and marked the first time that an unmanned aircraft refuelled in-flight.
During the probe and drogue AAR demonstration, the X-47B performed a close formation flight rendezvous with an Omega K-707 tanker. It then manoeuvred into position behind the tanker after receiving clearance from the K-707 crew, and then successfully engaged the drogue. Once refuelling was complete, the aircraft autonomously disengaged the drogue and manoeuvred away from the tanker before it returned to base.
Capt. Beau Duarte, unmanned carrier aviation programme manager, US Navy, said: 'AAR testing with the X-47B helps solidify the concept that future unmanned aircraft can perform standard missions like aerial refuelling and operate seamlessly with manned aircraft as part of the Carrier Air Wing.'
Pablo Gonzalez, UCAS-D programme manager, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said: 'We are very pleased with the outcome of this first round of probe and drogue flights with the X-47B.
'The AAR system and X-47B both performed as expected. While we would certainly benefit from additional probe and drogue flight testing, we have reached a tipping point at which AAR is now feasible.'
Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor of the navy's UCAS-D. The UCAS-D industry team includes Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, GKN Aerospace, and others.
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