Northrop Grumman unveiled the X-47B naval Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) at Palmdale, California, on December 16, 2008. The aircraft is currently undergoing subsystem and structural testing in preparation for first flight in the autumn of 2009. The second example is due to emerge from Northrop Grumman's facility at Palmdale in the same year. Both X-47Bs will be used to demonstrate launch and recovery from aircraft carriers in late 2011. Northrop Grumman will also modify the second X-47B to allow it to undertake autonomous aerial refuelling (AAR) with both the probe and drogue method favoured by the US Navy, and the flying boom and receptacle system of the US Air Force. AAR capability will be demonstrated by 2013.
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