US X-47B passes catapult-to-flight, arresting gear landing tests

(GDVN) - The U.S. Navy's new video released shows X-47B Reconnaissance Unmanned aircraft (for carriers) has been successfully tested with terrestrial catapult system and landing with brake cables - simulated situation corresponds to the landing on aircraft carrier.

The Northrop Grumman X-47B is a demonstration unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) developed by the American defense technology company Northrop Grumman.

The X-47 project began as part of DARPA's J-UCAS program, and is now part of the United States Navy's UCAS-D (Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration) program, which aims to create a carrier-based unmanned aircraft. It is intended that the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike System (UCLASS) will enter service in 2019.

The X-47B first flew in 2011, and as of 2013, it is undergoing flight testing, having successfully completed a series of land- and carrier-based demonstrations.