U.S Navy Testing its New $1 Billion X-47B UCAS

The X-47B UCAS was developed by the US Navy as part of the unmanned combat, air system carrier programme. The strike fighter size unmanned aircraft, successfully completed, its first-ever autonomous, aerial refuelling demonstration, with an Omega Air KC-707 tanker in April 2015.

The X-47B is a variant of Pegasus X-47A, which was developed as a joint USAF, and USN programme, called J-UCAS, in 2001. The programme was funded by the DARPA with Northrop Grumman, as the main contractor.

The tailless, unmanned aircraft is 38.2ft-long, and has a wingspan of 62.1ft. The shape of the aircraft is designed for stealth, or low observable relevant requirements. The weapons bay, can carry 4,500lb of weapons. The development of the aircraft by Northrop Grumman cost $1.4 bn.

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