Northrop Grumman plans to test UCAS-D air-refuelling capabilities

Northrop Grumman has outlined plans to test the air-to-air refuelling (AAR) capabilities of its X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) for the US Navy, as preparations for the aircraft's first flight gather pace.

The tail-less, fighter-sized prototype - which was unveiled to navy, government and industry personnel at the company's Palmdale, California, manufacturing facility in December 2008 - is scheduled to fly for the first time at nearby Edwards Air Force Base in November 2009.

The test flight will mark the beginning of a two-year programme of flight-envelope verification, expansion of the envelope and certification for aircraft carrier operations. The first landing on the deck of a carrier is planned for late 2011.

US Naval Air Command told Jane's on 7 January 2009 that plans to test the X-47B's critical AAR capabilities are also in place. "Initial AAR testing and data collection will be performed using surrogate aircraft with AAR equipment installed in 2010," a spokesman said.

Image: An artist's rendition of a production X-47B on the flight deck of a US Navy aircraft carrier. (Northrop Grumman) 158 of 483 words