David J. Barton
The U.S. Navy installed an unmanned combat air system demonstrator aboard an aircraft carrier on November 26, according to a U.S. Navy article.
The X-47B N-UCAS demonstration prepares the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier for carrier-based testing.
N-UCAS’s flight test director Cmdr. Kevin Watkins said the Navy has tested the X-47B for several years and it “proves that the future for unmanned aircraft is wide open.”
The X-47B has a wingspan of more than 62 feet and is meant to demonstrate seamless integration into carrier flight deck operations through various tests. During the demonstration, the X-47B will be controlled remotely via a hand-held control display unit
The Navy will conduct a three-week in-port and underway tests for the X-47B N-UCAS.
The X-47B testing will be conducted over a three week period which will include in-port and underway demonstrations aboard Truman.
According to the article, Truman will be the first modern aircraft carrier to host test operations for an unmanned aircraft.
