UCAS X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System

Back


X-47B UCAS

Program Overview:

The X-47B will be a transformational, carrier-capable, multi-mission, unmanned combat air vehicle. Strike fighter-sized, it is a survivable, long range, high endurance and persistent platform capable of a variety of missions including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Time Sensitive Targeting/Strike.

Navy UCAS Program:

Born from the former Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) program, the Navy UCAS program will develop a strike fighter-sized unmanned air vehicle that will demonstrate carrier-based launch and recovery in the 2011 timeframe. Successful UCAS carrier landing demonstrations will set the stage for a potential full-scale UCAS development effort in support of the Naval Aviation Master Plan, which includes provisions for introduction of a Navy UCAS in the 2020 timeframe.

Objectives:

Objectives of the UCAS program are to 1) demonstrate the technical feasibility of carrier landings with a tail-less, low observable relevant planform prototype; 2) continue maturation of relevant carrier landing and integration technologies; and 3) conduct UCAS carrier landings.

Specifications

Altitude: 40,000+ ft (12 km)
Combat Radius: 1,500+ nm ISR
Payload: 4,500 lb (2,045 kg) Internal
Ferry: 3,500+ nm
Speed: High Subsonic
Sensors: EO/IR/SAR/GMTI/ESM/IO

Channel: Science & Technology
Uploaded: November 16, 2007 at 8:48 am
Author: AirMan454

Length: 00:02:10
Rating: 3.31
Views: 28114

Tags: UCAS X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System aviation space

Video Comments:
LittleRedPoint (August 27, 2008 at 2:09 pm)
West has no option but use UCAV. Western people don't like wars.
jabo109k (August 29, 2008 at 9:33 am)
@ LittleRedPoint: Who does? Anyone with common sence shouldn't.
The music sucks.
randomizer99 (August 18, 2008 at 2:33 pm)
wow, "future" sucks
dubweiser101 (August 15, 2008 at 9:39 pm)
Personally I think the planes should be flown by humans from the Cockpit. I believe humans have better situational awareness when being physically present in a situation. Unfortunately the F-22 and F-35 will be the US's last manned fighter planes. All new FX's are unmanned aerial vehicles. From what I've read the US will keep its existing air planes and upgrade them as needed, but anything new will not have a pilot! So much for the good old days.
jasonguyperson (August 27, 2008 at 1:23 am)
i'm not so sure about that.. sources?
dubweiser101 (August 28, 2008 at 5:15 am)
Flight magazine's, interview with former ACC (air combat command) Gen. Mike Loh. He stated the USAF is investing heavily into umanned combat aircraft. He also stated F-22 and F-35 are expected to stay in service for 35-50 years after service entry. After that the planned procurument of UACV's should be well underway or entering service. The F-22 and F-35 are designed for upgradeability so there will be no need to design new planes. FLIGHT MAG JULY 2007. Nothings for sure but thats what it says.
HierPower (August 11, 2008 at 11:35 am)
oh no someone just knocked out the satellite our air force is grounded.. lol i bet china uses man power since they dont have the problem of forcing people to do unjust wars.
MrPenguin420 (August 6, 2008 at 7:41 am)
my buddy flys uav's for the US he isnt a nerd by any means. And he has more confirmed kills than most fixed wing pilots he knows
leslieTS (July 22, 2008 at 11:42 pm)
There will always be a need for pilots in the sky, Drones are essentially "stupid" because they lack the ability to see (360 Degrees), fly, and hear whats going on around them, until the military buys the contract for a "smart" drone (one with intelligence that exceeds the 3 abilities that pilots have) then will pilots be obsolete.
arasaka2020tm (August 6, 2008 at 7:46 am)
wise words. in the begining uav's will suplement pilots, later they will take over...