Feb 10 2011
Northrop Grumman has showcased its unmanned X-47B robot stealth plane. The robot plane finished its test flight that extended for 29 minutes. It took off at the Edwards Air Force Base in California and flew at a height of 5,000 feet.
Unmanned X-47B Aircraft
The robotic tailless plane was built under a $635 million worth Navy agreement. It can travel at subsonic speed and is faster than other unmanned aircrafts like Reaper drones and Predator. Another test flight will take place in 2013, which will demonstrate its takeoff from an airplane carrier. The airplane will shoot laser-driven bombs and can refuel in the air.
The wing of the X-47B unmanned aircraft resembles that of a bat. Its other features include wingspan measuring 62.1 feet, a series of sensor systems of maximum range 2,100 nautical miles and 4,500 pounds of maximum payload. The robotic aircraft can also be remotely controlled or preprogrammed for accomplishing the mission.
The unmanned stealth aircraft can fly at a height of 40,000 feet, enabling it to be deployed in accurate attacks and identification of ballistic missiles. Before carrier test trial, the aircraft will be subjected to further tests at Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
Source: http://www.northropgrumman.com