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Naval Forces News - USA |
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| US Navy Conducts Pax River's First Flight of X-47B Unmanned Aircraft | |||
The
US Navy made Pax River history July 29 after it conducted the naval
air station's historic first flight of the X-47B
Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator. At 11 a.m.,
the tailless, unmanned aircraft launched from Pax River and flew for
a planned 35 minutes. The aircraft reached an altitude of 7,500 feet
and an air speed of 180 knots during its flight over the Chesapeake
Bay before successfully landing back at Pax River. "This milestone event is the first of many flights at Pax River to demonstrate X-47B's compatibility with aircraft carrier flight procedures and launch/recovery equipment," said Matt Funk, UCAS lead test engineer. "The unique airspace and ship equipment at Pax River allow us to conduct the testing here before we land aboard the aircraft carrier next year." |
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 The X-47B launches safely from Pax River for a 35-minute flight over the Chesapeake Bay, July 29. (U.S. Navy photo) Link to X-47B Datasheet |
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One of the testing facilities at Pax River is a simulated aircraft carrier environment, which will allow team members to ensure the aircraft is ready to operate in testing at sea. Land-based testing will establish X-47B has the ability to conduct precision approaches and to perform arrested landings and catapult launches prior to actual aircraft carrier operations. "The X-47B's flight today is another important step closer to the Navy's vision of operating tailless, autonomous, unmanned systems from aircraft carriers," said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, Navy UCAS program manager. From: Naval Air Systems Command Public Affairs |
US Navy Conducts Pax River's First Flight of X-47B Unmanned Aircraft
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