Northrop's X-47B taxis on carrier for first time

[unhappycamper]

http://web.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/10/photos-northrops-x-47b-taxiis-carrier-first-time/



The X-47B unmanned combat aircraft can be seen near the stern of the carrier Harry S. Truman. — U.S. Navy

Northrop's X-47B taxis on carrier for first time
Written by Gary Robbins
7:19 a.m., Dec. 10, 2012

The futuristic X-47B unmanned combat aircraft that Northrop Grumman largely developed in San Diego has conducted taxi tests on an aircraft carrier for the first time, a major step toward preparing the drone for its inaugural flights from a flattop. The swept-wing drone was moved around the deck with remote-control equipment.

The drone was recently hoisted aboard the Virginia-based carrier Harry S. Truman, where it will undergo a wide variety of tests, from being moved up and down in the flight elevator to a possible catapult flight launch.

Northrop developed the X-47B as a possible supplement for the aircraft the Navy uses on carriers. It hasn't been decided whether the drone could replace any existing aircraft, but engineers have designed the X-47B to carry weapons.

[BlueStreak]

1. When war has no risks or consequences, the result is more war