NAVAIR

Mission

The Navy's  Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program's mission was to mature technologies for a carrier (CV) suitable unmanned air system (UAS), while reducing risk for UAS carrier integration and developing the critical data necessary to support potential follow-on acquisition programs. The Navy completed the demonstration program in 2015.

Description

The Navy UCAS program developed and demonstrated a CV suitable unmanned air system in support of persistent, penetrating surveillance, and penetrating strike capability in high threat areas. The  program evolved technologies required to conduct launch, recovery and carrier controlled airspace operations.

In fiscal year 2013, the Navy completed the UCAS-D CV demonstration objectives. During three at-sea periods, the X-47B conducted a total of 37 deck touchdowns, 30 precise touch-and-go landings and multiple catapult launches, arrested landings and planned autonomous wave-offs. In 2014, the X-47B completed its first cooperative flight tests with manned aircraft in the carrier environment.

The Navy conducted autonomous engagement flights in 2015, which were the final tests under the demonstration program.

Specifications

Overall Length: 38.2 feet
Wingspan: 62.1 Feet
Height: 10.4 feet
Aircraft Carrier Takeoff Gross Weight: approximately 44,500 pounds
Speed: High subsonic
Power Plant: one Pratt & Whitney F100-220U engine
Payload Provisions: 4500 pounds, plus allowance for electro-optical, infrared, radar and electronic support measures sensors
Autonomous Aerial Refueling Provisions: US Navy and US Air Force styles
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Corporation

UCAS Timeline