X-47B: First automated fly filling

24/04/15

The X-47B has successfully performed the first refueling in autonomous flight (AAR), as the last test in the Unmanned Combat Air System program of the US Navy. During the flight off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, the X-47B received more than 4.000 pounds of fuel using the probe-and-drogue method from a K-707 Omega tanker.

The X-47B independently carried out the approach procedures, maneuvering towards the supply probe of the K-707.

This test completes a first part of the mosaic in the future operational capability of the AAR technology.

The Unmanned Carrier Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) X-47B, the first drone with stealth capability designed to operate from aircraft carriers, is able to take off from a moving control station, cross national airspace and land in another place due to its full IA (Artificial intelligence) capability.

The drone's autopilot uses a GPS navigation system and anti-collision sensors.

The decision-making aspect linked to the use of armament carried in the hold against a target is the prerogative of the human operator in remote.

Franco Iacch