X-47B, unmanned combat air vehicle, Northrop Grumman Corporation, West Falls Church, Virginia, USA

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Manufacturer - Northrop Grumman Corporation

Northrop Grumman X-47B on Wikipedia

 

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Northrop Grumman's X47-B completes 1st Carrier Catapult Launch

Published on May 14, 2013

 

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USS Theodore Roosevelt Conducts Combined Manned, Unmanned Operations

Published on Aug 17, 2014

Atlantic Ocean. The Navy's unmanned X-47B conducts flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The aircraft completed a series of tests demonstrating its ability to operate safely and seamlessly with manned aircraft. (U.S. Navy video/Released

 

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Article "The drone that never has to land: US Navy's X-47B successfully completes first ever unmanned refuelling test in mid-air"

Salty Dog 502 trailed Omega Air Refuelling 707 tanker from a mile off
It used optical sensors and a camera to monitor approach to 20 feet
It then plugged its refuelling probe into hose of the Omega Air KC-707
Drone is size of an F/A-18 Super Hornet and weighs 44,000lb (20,000kg)

by Ellie Zolfagharifard
April 17, 2015

 

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X-47B completes first autonomous aerial refueling

Published on Apr 23, 2015

The X-47B made history again yesterday by successfully completing the first Autonomous Aerial Refueling. Watch the video here. Video courtesy of U.S. Navy.

 

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Making Aviation History: X-47B Unlocks Full Potential of Unmanned Systems Capabilities

Published on Feb 26, 2016

In 2013, the X-47B demonstrated the first ever carrier-based launches and recoveries by an autonomous, low-observable relevant unmanned aircraft. In April of 2015, the X-47B once again made aviation history by successfully conducting the first ever Autonomous Aerial Refueling (AAR) of an unmanned aircraft. AAR unlocks the full potential of what an unmanned surveillance, strike and reconnaissance system can do in support of the Navy. These historical demonstrations solidify the concept of future unmanned aircraft and proved that the X-47B can perform standard missions like aerial refueling and operate seamlessly with manned aircraft as part of the Carrier Air Wing.

 

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X-47B Autonomous Aerial Refueling - Building the Impossible and Pioneering History

Published on Apr 22, 2016

One year ago today, the X-47B successfully completed the first ever Autonomous Aerial Refueling demonstration proving that autonomous aircraft can transfer and receive fuel while in flight. This capability will ultimately increase the range and flexibility of future unmanned aircraft platforms, ultimately extending carrier power projection.