New stealth bomber can fly pilotless
February 7th, 2011 - 12:57 pm ICT by IANSLondon, Feb 7 (IANS) The new stealth plane X-47B is something straight out of a sci-fi flick. This superbreed is capable of flying undetected to pound targets thousands of miles away. It marks a radical departure for unmanned aircraft, which required a ground-based human pilot to guide them on missions.
The X-47B can carry out pre-programmed missions autonomously, with a computer handling everything from take off, landing and even mid-air refuelling.
It is also the first drone said to be capable of launching from and landing on a sea- borne aircraft carrier, the Daily Mail reports.
Defence firm Northrop Grumman, which was awarded the US Navy contract to build the plane in August 2007, is expected to start carrier trials for the drone in 2013.
Slightly smaller than the B2 stealth bomber, the X-47B carries laser-guided bombs and can fly faster than 500 miles per hour at 40,000 feet.
The first aircraft will complete its initial testing in late 2011, with a second aircraft due to begin testing shortly thereafter.
- US testing deadlier, stealthier drones - Jan 11, 2011
- US Navy's X-47B so autonomous it can be steered with mouse clicks - Apr 13, 2011
- New stealth drones flew into Pakistan to see Osama house - May 18, 2011
- US deployed three aircraft carriers to support Operation Geronimo - May 11, 2011
- India's first advanced radar system to roll out end-2011 - Nov 09, 2010
- Antony witnesses Indian Navy's battle readiness exercise - Feb 08, 2012
- Indian Navy to induct Mig-29K fighter jets - Jan 31, 2010
- Indian Navy to induct Mig-29K fighters Friday - Feb 18, 2010
- Indian Navy inducts Mig-29K combat jets - Feb 19, 2010
- Hitler's stealth fighter re-created by plane experts - Jul 08, 2009
- Boeing reconnaissance aircraft for Indian Navy completes first flight - Sep 29, 2011
- Indian Navy's first four MiG-29K fighters arrive in knocked down condition - Dec 05, 2009
- US delivers last Super Hercules cargo plane this weekend - Dec 23, 2011
- Raytheon delivers first radar for Indian P-8I to Boeing - Feb 18, 2012
- China's apparent 'stealth aircraft' may pose "terrifying" challenge to US fleet: Experts - Jan 08, 2011
Tags: aircraft carrier, b2 stealth bomber, carrier trials, daily mail, defence firm, drone, grumman, human pilot, laser guided bombs, london feb, mail reports, mid air, miles per hour, new stealth bomber, northrop, northrop grumman, radical departure, sci fi, unmanned aircraft, us navy contract