Northrop Grumman X-47B UCAS-D

[GeorgeA]

UCAS-D to Taxi Early Next Month

Following corrective actions and a rebalancing of the program . . .

So it's no longer kosher to say "we missed the SW deadlines by a country mile and the program slipped"? I'll have to try that one with my boss.

 

[Steve Pace]

UCAS-D to Taxi Early Next Month
Nov 24, 2010

By Amy Butler, Guy Norris
Palmdale, Calif., Palmdale, Calif.

Northrop Grumman plans to perform the first high-speed taxi of its X-47B unmanned combat air system (UCAS-D) demonstrator by the first week of December as a prelude to first flight by year-end at Edwards AFB, Calif.

The taxi test will take the stealthy, single-engine UCAS to 120 kt., according to company officials.

Northrop Grumman and U.S. Navy officials passed the tailless, flying wing demonstrator for taxi tests at a flight readiness review early this month and are set to build up X-47B ground speeds over a series of trials that were due to begin at Edwards Nov. 19. These evaluations mark the culmination of almost two years of preparations since the rollout of the first air vehicle, AV-1, in December 2008.

Delayed by engine-related acoustic and starting issues as well as software complexity, the Navy’s first dedicated stealth aircraft since the canceled General Dynamics/McDonnell Douglas A-12 was originally due to fly in November 2009. Following corrective actions and a rebalancing of the program toward carrier landings in 2013 rather than late 2011 as originally planned, Northrop Grumman UCAS-D Vice President Janis Pamiljans believes the bulk of the preparations are complete. Pending successful low-, medium- and high-speed taxi tests, Pamiljans says first-flight timing will likely be dependent only on good weather.

“First flight is just an event, even though it’s an aviation first,” says Pamiljans, stressing that the key priority remains landing on an aircraft carrier and proving that the UCAS-D can operate on and around it. This is a key confidence-building step in gaining widespread Navy support to buy a fleet of UCAS-type systems that can ultimately perform the stealthy strike mission intended for the A-12, but with the increased range and endurance of an unmanned aircraft.

In the run-up to taxi tests, Pamiljans says, “software is done; it’s wrapped, stamped and is in the aircraft.” The U4.3 vehicle management software used in earlier tests has been replaced with an improved U4.4 load for first flight.

The planned 22-min. first flight will be conducted at 4,000 ft. with the gear down, and the vehicle flying a racetrack pattern over the dry lakebed with standard-rate turns. The landing will be made back on the same runway used for takeoff, says Pamiljans, adding that the “key will be to get as much air vehicle management system data as we can.” The sortie will mark the start of a roughly 50-flight, year-long Block 1 envelope expansion test campaign at Edwards. Initial flight rate is expected to be once per week, rising to twice a week later in 2011.

Later next year, AV-1 will be transferred to the Navy’s test center at NAS Patuxent River, Md., and eventually hoisted onboard an aircraft carrier, says Pamiljans. The UCAS will then be maneuvered around the vessel as part of the program’s Block 2 carrier deck operations and handling trials test plan.

Assembly of the second X-47B, AV-2, is virtually complete, with initial powering up of the vehicle’s systems achieved for the first time early this month. In December, the aircraft will be transferred to a loads test rig for up to eight weeks of structural proof tests that will simulate carrier landing and critical flight loads, as well as check the structure for catapult and arrestment loads, fuel system integrity and control surface freedom under load.

As AV-2 is designed to test the increased dynamic environment of air-to-air refueling, the vehicle must meet Navy requirements for 2.4g maneuvers, against 2.1g for AV-1. Although Northrop Grumman designed both airframes with margin for 3g, the rig will test AV-2 to 130% of design limit load, well beyond the 115% load tested on AV-1. “So we will take it well beyond what the vehicle will see in flight tests,” Pamiljans explains. “The build of the aircraft hasn’t been a challenge at all; it has been the software build” that proved more thorny, says Todd Snedigar, Northrop Grumman’s UCAS production manager.

AV-2 incorporates nozzle structure design improvements to accommodate changes to deal with the acoustic issues from the X-47B’s single Pratt & Whitney F100-220U engine that contributed to delays to AV-1. Completion was also made easier by development of a spray-application process for a fire-suppression coating in the engine bay. On the first vehicle, the coating was applied by hand.

AV-2 will be transferred to Edwards in March for initial taxi tests and engine runs using the U4.4 software. Following electromagnetic susceptibility trials at the base’s antenna farm, AV-2 will begin full taxi tests, with first flight expected by the end of next year. For this milestone, the second X-47B will be loaded with U5.0 software, scheduled to be certificated in December 2011 after flight trials using a Boeing F/A-18 as a UCAS surrogate. This software, now being developed with a build-up approach initially involving test flights of a Learjet in flight simulator operated by Calspan Research behind an Omega Air Refueling Boeing 707 tanker, will be further refined using the F/A-18.

Incorporating guidance, navigation and communications protocols to interface with the carrier, as well as air-to-air refueling and full envelope control, the U5.0 software will guide the F/A-18 to the first carrier touchdowns in February and March 2013. When four completely autonomous traps have been accomplished, the similarly configured AV-1, by now also equipped with U5.0, will be cleared for its first carrier landing attempt.

Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman has submitted a proposal to the Navy to outline a flight-test plan for the so-called Block 6 portion of the program. It will include aerial refueling trials using AV-2, equipped with both Navy and Air Force refueling receptacles. These would take place in 2014 after carrier operations are complete. Pamiljans says that flight-test effort could include 40 sorties, but the company is hoping to keep the number down to reduce cost. During load-testing, AV-2 will be subjected to forces simulating those experienced during refueling operations.

Where did you obtain this news release? It's not on the NG website. -SP

 

[GeorgeA]

Amy Butler and Guy Norris write for Aviation Week. I assume it's an article from there.

 

[fightingirish]

Eyes open, folks, flateric posted the headline as a link!!!

UCAS-D to Taxi Early Next Month
Nov 24, 2010

By Amy Butler, Guy Norris
Palmdale, Calif., Palmdale, Calif.

Northrop Grumman [...]

 

[seruriermarshal]

Northrop's X-47B robotic jet makes first flight from Edwards Air Force Base

February 4, 2011 | 6:36 pm

A bat-winged robotic jet resembling a miniature B-2 stealth bomber flew for the first time at Edwards Air Force Base in a test flight that could mark a new age in naval aviation.

Century City-based Northrop Grumman Corp.’s experimental drone, dubbed X-47B, climbed to 5,000 feet in a 29-minute flight on Friday, the U.S. Navy said in a statement.

The X-47B is being developed to take off from an aircraft carrier, drop a bomb on an enemy target and then land back on a carrier, all without a pilot.

"Today we got a glimpse towards the future as the Navy’s first-ever tailless, jet-powered unmanned aircraft took to the skies," said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, X-47B program manager, in a statement.

The drone was built behind a barbed-wire fences and double security doors at Northrop's expansive facility in Palmdale under a $635.8-million contract awarded by the Navy in 2007. The drone marks a major shift from existing robotic aircraft.
Currently, combat drones are controlled remotely by a human pilot. The X-47B could carry out a combat mission controlled entirely by a computer. A human pilot designs a flight path and sends it on its way and a computer program guides it from a ship to target and back.

In 100 years of naval aviation, only experienced pilots have performed the difficult task of landing a fighter on an aircraft carrier in the ocean.

The X-47B is designed to fly farther and stay in the air longer than existing aircraft because it does not depend on a human pilot's endurance. Navy fighter pilots may fly missions that last up to 10 hours. Current drones can fly for three times that long.

The Navy and Northrop plan on continuing test flights throughout the year at Edwards.The X-47B is designed to fly at 40,000 feet at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour.

It will first undergo about 50 flights at Edwards,the Navy said. The first aircraft will complete its initial testing in late 2011. A second aircraft will begin testing shortly thereafter.

"We are breaking new ground by developing the first unmanned jet aircraft to take off and land aboard a flight deck," said Navy Rear Adm. Bill Shannon, program executive officer for unmanned aviation and strike weapons. "This demonstration program is intended to reduce risk for potential future unmanned systems operating in and around aircraft carriers."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/02/x47b-drone-northrop-navy-.html

 

[seruriermarshal]

Photos and Video :

http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=209544

 

[Steve Pace]

It's about time. Thanks for the report, the scoop. -SP

 

[Creative]

Was kind of getting worried that thing would never get off the ground. Thanks for sharing the news.

 

[quellish]

What isn't in the release is that the flight was terminated by an unscheduled landing in the neighbor's tree.

 

[seruriermarshal]

What isn't in the release is that the flight was terminated by an unscheduled landing in the neighbor's tree.

Who told you that ?

 

[seruriermarshal]

Northrop Grumman-built U.S. Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Aircraft Completes Historic First Flight
First-of-its-Kind, Tailless Aircraft Moves Closer to Carrier Trials in 2013
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., Feb. 4, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC)-built U.S. Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft successfully completed its historic first flight at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Calif.

Conducted by a U.S. Navy/Northrop Grumman test team, the flight took off at 2:09 p.m. PST and lasted 29 minutes. This event marks a critical step in the program, moving the team forward to meet the demonstration objectives of a tailless fighter-sized unmanned aircraft to safely take off from and land on the deck of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.

A social media version of this release that includes photos, video clips, and additional quotes and background material, is available at http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=209544

"First flight represents the compilation of numerous tests to validate the airworthiness of the aircraft, and the robustness and reliability of the software that allows it to operate as an autonomous system and eventually have the ability to take-off and land aboard an aircraft carrier," said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, the Navy's UCAS-D program manager.

Northrop Grumman is the Navy's UCAS-D prime contractor and leader of the UCAS-D industry team.

"Designing a tailless, fighter-sized unmanned aircraft from a clean sheet is no small feat," said Janis Pamiljans, vice president and UCAS-D program manager for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "Commitment, collaboration and uncompromising technical excellence among the Navy, Northrop Grumman and the UCAS-D team industry partners made today's flight a reality. We are indeed honored to have given wings to the Navy's vision for exploring unmanned carrier aviation."

Taking off under hazy skies, the X-47B climbed to an altitude of 5,000 feet, flew several racetrack-type patterns, and landed safely at 2:38 p.m. PST. The flight provided test data to verify and validate system software for guidance and navigation, and the aerodynamic control of the tailless design.

As with all test programs, first flight represents the culmination, verification and certification of pre-flight system data collected and analyzed by both the Navy and Northrop Grumman. Airframe proof load tests, propulsion system accelerated mission tests, software maturity and reliability simulations, full system taxi tests, and numerous other system test activities were all completed and certified prior to first flight.

The aircraft will remain at Edwards AFB for flight envelope expansion before transitioning to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., later this year. There, the system will undergo additional tests to validate its readiness to begin testing in the maritime and carrier environment. The UCAS-D program is preparing the X-47B for carrier trials in 2013.

The Navy awarded the UCAS-D prime contract to Northrop Grumman in August 2007. The six-year contract calls for the development of two X-47B fighter-sized aircraft. The program will demonstrate the first-ever carrier launches and recoveries by an autonomous, unmanned aircraft with a low-observable-relevant planform. Autonomous aerial refueling will also be performed after carrier integration and at-sea trials.

Northrop Grumman's industry team includes GKN Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney, Eaton, GE, Hamilton Sundstrand, Dell, Honeywell, Goodrich, Moog, Wind River, Parker Aerospace and Rockwell Collins.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=212928

 

[seruriermarshal]

X-47B First Flight
Posted by Guy Norris at 2/4/2011 8:26 PM CST

Northrop Grumman’s X-47B unmanned combat air system (UCAS-D) demonstrator successfully completed its long-delayed first flight at Edwards AFB, Calif., late today. The stealthy, single-engine UCAS took off early in the afternoon Pacific time and landed some 29 mins later, having achieved an altitude of 5,000-ft. Aimed at gathering air vehicle management system data, the first flight also marks the start of a roughly 50-flight, year-long Block 1 envelope expansion test campaign at Edwards AFB. Initial flight rate is expected to be once per week, rising to twice a week later in 2011.

Northrop and U.S. Navy officials passed the tailless, flying wing demonstrator for taxi tests at a flight readiness review in early November.

The Feb 4 flight was carried out with the landing gear down, and the vehicle flying a racetrack pattern over the dry lakebed with standard-rate turns. The landing was made back on the same runway used for take-off.

Later in the year AV-1 will be transferred to the Navy’s test center at NAS Patuxent River, Md, and eventually hoisted onboard an aircraft carrier. The UCAS will then be maneuvered around the vessel as part of the program’s Block 2 carrier deck operations and handling trials test plan.

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a4a181570-de1f-482f-b7b3-253b55fc3131&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

 

[Abraham Gubler]

What isn't in the release is that the flight was terminated by an unscheduled landing in the neighbor's tree.

Who told you that ?

Neighbors? Trees? Aren't any of those at Edwards.

I think Q. was making a joke, perhaps in reference to this kind of event:

 

[Steve Pace]

First landing 2-4-2011. Northrop Grumman photo. -SP

 

[Ian33]

So damn graceful and shape is awe inspiring. I'd love to see the RCS chart, bet its a nightmare to find on radar.

Fantastic photo!!

 

[Sundog]

The video was excellent as we get to see it in proximity to an F-16, which helps give an approximation of it's size. What I find interesting is that they abandoned the split aileron/female rudder for yaw stability and went to the Horten aileron/spoiler style of yaw stability. I wonder if it was due to LO considerations, better stability and control, or cost/simplicity considerations or a measure of all of the above? It would be interesting to know the design driver that resulted in this configuration.

I know in most of what I've engineered, combining functions into one mechanism has usually lead to various constraints on the system being engineered.

It looked like a good flight to me. I look forward to seeing higher res video of it in flight.

 

[Dragon029]

The video was excellent as we get to see it in proximity to an F-16, which helps give an approximation of it's size. What I find interesting is that they abandoned the split aileron/female rudder for yaw stability and went to the Horton aileron/spoiler style of yaw stability. I wonder if it was due to LO considerations, better stability and control, or cost/simplicity considerations or a measure of all of the above? It would be interesting to know the design driver that resulted in this configuration.

I know in most of what I've engineered, combining functions into one mechanism has usually lead to various constraints on the system being engineered.

It looked like a good flight to me. I look forward to seeing higher res video of it in flight.

http://www.youtube.com/v/WUDpGpEr1g4?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1

 

[Steve Pace]

Could it have caught the 3rd wire even if its arresting gear hook was extended?

 

[fightingirish]

NAVAIR: UCAS-D first flight video message from RADM Bill Shannon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFbsPaLVVlw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFbsPaLVVlw

 

[Steve Pace]

New one on me. I had no idea LM was involved. -SP

 

[sferrin]

New one on me. I had no idea LM was involved. -SP

Could be they just let NG use the Helmdale RCS facility for testing.

 

[Steve Pace]

New one on me. I had no idea LM was involved. -SP

Could be they just let NG use the Helmdale RCS facility for testing.

Helendale...

 

[Stargazer]

Could be they just let NG use the Helmdale RCS facility for testing.

Does not compute with the Lockheed Martin logos being present on two different spots of the underwing...

 

[sferrin]

New one on me. I had no idea LM was involved. -SP

Could be they just let NG use the Helmdale RCS facility for testing.

Helendale...

Yeah, been a while since I looked at it. I think I mixed the name up with an old movie company. :-[

 

[sublight]

Could be they just let NG use the Helmdale RCS facility for testing.

Does not compute with the Lockheed Martin logos being present on two different spots of the underwing...

From the attached doc.


LOCKHEED MARTIN DEBUTS REVOLUTIONARY X-47B POLE MODEL DESIGN
HELENDALE, Calif, October 12th, 2005 -- Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT]
revolutionary full-scale pole model has completed its first round of
testing at the Lockheed Martin Helendale Measurement Facility.
Lockheed Martin's pole model mounted and in position for testing as
the sun sets at its Helendale Measurement Facility.
Lockheed Martin Debuts Revolutionary X-47B Pole Model Design (JPG,
1.82 MB High-Resolution Photo)




Lockheed Martin reconfigurable pole model on the lowered pole.
Lockheed Martin Debuts Revolutionary X-47B Pole Model Design (JPG,
2.38 MB High-Resolution Photo)

The radar cross section testing of the vehicle will continue throughout
2006. Today, Lockheed Martin is using this pole model to provide
critically relevant data about the Northrop Grumman Corporation-led X-47B
vehicle built for the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) program.
Lockheed Martin’s full-scale pole model was designed and built in less
than 13 months and funded entirely with Lockheed Martin’s Independent
Research and Development dollars. What makes it distinct from conventional
pole model designs is its modular and flexible configuration, allowing
future large scale physical changes. This permits customers to easily
modify the many pre-planned regions of the configuration and quickly
collect high fidelity data. This means the pole model is now a design tool
rather than simply a demonstration device.
“The configuration that we are ultimately targeting was developed by the
X-47B team as part of the J-UCAS program. Later in the program components
from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Pratt & Whitney will be
integrated and tested,” said Frank Alvidrez, Lockheed Martin’s J-UCAS
program manager.
Northrop Grumman provides the initial shape of the vehicle and the
proposed aerodynamic features including control surfaces and gear and
payload door arrangements. Northrop Grumman has also supported frequent
technical interface meetings to provide detailed descriptions of how it is
approaching the design and build of the X-47B flight vehicles. While
Lockheed Martin built the pole model vehicle, Northrop Grumman Corporation
will use the test data to improve the low observable design of the X-47B.
“This relationship improves the overall effectiveness of the X-47B J-UCAS
effort while continuing to develop the teaming relationship between
Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman,” said Scott Winship, Northrop
Grumman Corporation’s X-47B program director.
“The full-scale pole model is critical to the X-47B J-UCAS program because
it is modular and reconfigurable. It allows us to test our signature
level, refine it and retest all on the same vehicle. This is a first in
the industry,” said Rick Ludwig, Northrop Grumman Corporation’s business
development director for its unmanned systems business.
Pratt & Whitney is providing the entire inner structure of the exhaust
module in later tests. “As team mates, Pratt & Whitney has provided the
most appropriate interface systems for maintaining our reconfigurable
approach. They have been instrumental to this effort,” stated Gene Folsom,
Lockheed Martin full-scale pole model project engineer.
Key to the rigorous X-47B radar cross section test schedule is Lockheed
Martin’s Helendale Measurement Facility, which is the premier radar cross
section test range. It is located in California’s Mojave Desert and
enables Lockheed Martin to design, fabricate and validate some of the
world’s most sophisticated vehicles. It is one of only two facilities of
this type in the United States.
Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems is a premier aerospace and defense
systems integration organization. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., it
designs, develops, produces and supports network-enabled integrated
systems and subsystems optimized for use in networks. For its government
and civil customers worldwide, Integrated Systems delivers best-value
solutions, products and services that support military and homeland
defense missions in the areas of intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance; space access; battle management command and control; and
integrated strike warfare.

Lockheed Martin: Melissa Dalton, 661-572-1130; e-mail:
melissa.dalton@lmco.com
Northrop Grumman: Tim Paynter, 858-618-4245; e-mail: tim.paynter@ngc.com

 

[Steve Pace]

A different view...

 

[flanker]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARgZuTgRaIE&feature=related

 

[doolyii]

What will be the relationship between this program and UCLASS ? If all worked as planned (or just demonstrated to land/launch from carrier), Any justification to field UCLASS instead of leveraging from UCAS-D ?

 

[seruriermarshal]

Northrop Grumman Completes Structural Proof Testing of Second X-47B Aircraft

PALMDALE, Calif., March 14, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Navy's second X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) will be able to withstand all of the structural stresses and strains associated with takeoff, flight and landing – including those uniquely linked with landing or taking off from the moving, pitching deck of an aircraft carrier. That's the conclusion of an analysis by a Navy/Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) test team following a rigorous, five-week series of structural proof tests of the jet's airframe.

http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=216040

 

[seruriermarshal]

Northrop Grumman, U.S. Navy Complete Second, Third Flights of X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., March 17, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Less than a month after completing the first flight of the U.S. Navy's X-47B UCAS-Demonstration aircraft, flight test engineers from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and the Navy have successfully completed the aircraft's second and third flights.

http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=216480

 

[Ian33]

Northrop Grumman Completes Structural Proof Testing of Second X-47B Aircraft

http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=216040

A question about the materials around the edges of the airframe if I may? are we looking at complete radar absorbent material around the entire edge of the X-47B? and if so, does any one have any idea on how they make it flexible like the matting that goes from the fixed area of the wing to the top edge of the flaps?

 

[cadi0103]

How about the wingfold of the X-47B?

Said that it's from the A-12's design.

 

[Matej]

One of the less usual and certainly interesting shoots.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Navy/Northrop-Grumman-X-47B/1879999/L/

 

[quellish]

A question about the materials around the edges of the airframe if I may? are we looking at complete radar absorbent material around the entire edge of the X-47B? and if so, does any one have any idea on how they make it flexible like the matting that goes from the fixed area of the wing to the top edge of the flaps?

I am not sure what is being asked. X-47B incorporates RAS throughout the airframe but does not have extensive RAM coatings like, say, the F-117 did.
As far as the flaps question, look at the Bird of Prey. I know flateric posted a diagram of that component on here at some point.

Last diagram here:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,5700.msg46005.html#msg46005

 

[fightingirish]

One of the less usual and certainly interesting shoots.
http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Navy/Northrop-Grumman-X-47B/1879999/L/

Does that picture show the first prototype or is it just a mock-up?
The open space on the left (starboard side of the aircraft) houses the probe for air-to-air refueling (AAR).

 

[flateric]

of course mock-up

 

[flateric]

another nice roll-out photo

 

[flateric]

continuing

 

[seruriermarshal]

U.S. Navy, Northrop Grumman Successfully Test Systems Required to Operate X-47B Unmanned System From an Aircraft Carrier
Manned Surrogate Using X-47B Software Makes Trial Landings on USS Eisenhower
NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., July 5, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) have successfully completed a demonstration of the ship-based software and systems that will allow the X-47B unmanned air vehicle to operate from the deck of an aircraft carrier.

The test, conducted July 2 in the western Atlantic with the Navy carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69), culminated with several successful launches and recoveries of a manned surrogate aircraft equipped with X-47B precision navigation control software.

"This manned surrogate test event is a significant and critical step toward landing the X-47B on the carrier deck in 2013," said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, U.S. Navy, program manager, Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (N-UCAS). "It represents the first end-to-end test of the hardware and software systems that will eventually allow unmanned systems to integrate safely and successfully with all aspects of carrier operations."

Strong collaboration between the engineers of U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Northrop Grumman was key to the successful test, he added. Northrop Grumman is the Navy's prime contractor for the Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. A Navy/Northrop Grumman test team conducted first flight of the X-47B in February.

"The precision navigation and control capability demonstrated by the UCAS-D team represents a potential 'breakthrough' capability for the Navy," said Janis Pamiljans, vice president, N-UCAS for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "It could be applied, in theory, to any manned or unmanned carrier-compatible aircraft, which could have a dramatic effect on the tempo and efficiency of future carrier operations."

According to Glenn Colby, NAVAIR's aviation/ship integration lead, the biggest challenge associated with landing an unmanned system on a carrier deck is automating – and removing any ambiguity from – flight procedures and communications between aircraft and ship that have traditionally been performed manually by pilots and the ship's air operations personnel.

"Today's carrier environment relies on human operators to monitor and ensure safe flight operations," said Colby. "As we begin to integrate unmanned systems into this very restrictive manned environment, we have to ensure that the software controlling these new systems can recognize and respond correctly to every type of contingency."

Colby and his team at NAVAIR's N-UCAS Aviation/Ship Integration Facility (NASIF) at Patuxent River, prepared for the surrogate testing through a steady build-up of rigorous software simulations and flight tests.

First, they used early versions of the software that the X-47B will use to operate at the carrier to simulate command and control, air traffic control and navigation exchanges between the aircraft and the carrier. Then they progressed to more robust simulations that included X-47B avionics and an X-47B mission operator station, all in the NASIF lab.

Next were flight tests of X-47B hardware and software installed on a King Air Beech 300 aircraft. The King Air flew in the vicinity of CVN-69 – both pier-side in Norfolk, Va., and while underway – to test mission management, command and control, communications, air traffic control and navigation functions between the X-47B software and the ship.

In addition to the King Air, the test team used a surrogate F/A-18 aircraft equipped with X-47B software and avionics to evaluate the most challenging areas of launch and recovery operations. Initial testing at Patuxent River focused on verifying that aircraft sensors, navigation, guidance and control systems were ready for shipboard testing.

"Using a manned surrogate platform to test the unmanned systems avionics and software gives us an extra layer of safety as we test the X-47B software to ensure that it responds correctly and safely to different flight conditions," explained Colby.

Results from the surrogate testing will be used to continue to refine the mission management, navigation, guidance and control software that the X-47B will use to perform its first carrier landings in 2013.

The Navy awarded the UCAS-D prime contract to Northrop Grumman in August 2007. The contract calls for the development and flight testing of two strike-fighter-sized X-47B unmanned aircraft. In 2013, the program is scheduled to demonstrate the first carrier launches and recoveries by a tailless, unmanned aircraft. Autonomous aerial refueling demonstrations are planned for 2014. For the latest X-47B news and information, please visit www.as.northropgrumman.com/products/nucasx47b/.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=225821

 

[bobbymike]

Navy Advances Plan for New Carrier Launched UAV Surveillance and Strike System

The Navy last week plunked down $2 million to advance its vision of a next-generation unmanned aircraft optimized for aircraft-carrier operations, launching a preliminary competition in a program that promises to become a big-ticket Pentagon acquisition: the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike system.
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So is this X-47B? Some other system?