Navy Debuts Un-manned Stealth Aircraft

First flight of the x-47B

Designated the X-47B, Northrop Grumman has unveiled its latest stealth aircraft for the U.S. Navy. Like all aircraft for the Navy, this aircraft is capable of aircraft carrier operations. But, unlike anything before it, this new aircraft combines the look and stealth capabilities of the B-2 bomber, with its un-manned remotely operated or pre-programmed capabilities.

During its first flight, operators limited the climb to just five thousand feet and left the landing gear in the down position while they flew a few circuits before landing. In this initial test run, operators wanted to get a feel for the flight characteristics of the tailless aircraft and verify the software which provides navigational data to the operator.

The successful first flight paves the way for future tests and eventual deployment of the aircraft in coming years. Presently, unmanned reconnaissance aircraft have to be deployed from a nearby airbase. This limits the range and the areas where drones can be used. Once in service, the X-47B will be able to depart from anywhere the Navy can take it. With a range slightly greater than the Navy’s F/A-18 fleet, and greatly enhanced stealth technology, the drone should prove very useful.