Northrop Grumman UCAS-D combat drone makes first flight...

摘要

Northrop Grumman's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) aircraft for the US Navy completed its long-delayed maiden flight on 4 February. In what could prove to be a significant milestone in the history of carrier aviation, the fighter-sized drone reached an altitude of 5,000 ft during the 29 minute flight at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California. Conducted with landing gear in the lowered position, the flight provided test data to verify and validate system software for guidance and navigation and aerodynamic control of the tailless, low-observable airframe.