The X-47B aboard USS Harry S. Truman
by TeemunnyPublished on Thursday, December 20, 2012
We usually don’t prefer to publicize and showcase death machines but we’re continually intrigued by technology and remain huge aircraft enthusiasts. DARPA‘s latest creation and Navy toy, the Northrop Grumman X-47B, is an aircraft carrier-based unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV). On November 26, 2012, the X-47B began its carrier-based evaluation aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. On December 18, 2012, the X-47B completed its first at-sea test phase. The unmanned aircraft performed “outstandingly” and proved it was compatible with the flight deck, hangar bays, and communication systems of any aircraft carrier.
Here are some images of the X-47B aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, along with previously released video footage of its testing. It is a fascinating machine and resembles a UFO.
Marvel at the badass, unmanned, supersonic, death machine that is coming for you. Watch your back.
images via Flickr

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 13, 2012) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and personnel from the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System program integrated test team maintain an X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft aboard Harry S. Truman. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman by Alan Radecki/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 13, 2012) An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft is transported on an aircraft elevator aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman by Alan Radecki/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 11, 2012) An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft is transported on an aircraft elevator aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman by Alan Radecki/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 11, 2012) An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft is secured aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman by Alan Radecki/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 7, 2012) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and personnel from the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System program integrated test team prepare an X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator aircraft for testing aboard Harry S. Truman. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman by Alan Radecki/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2012) The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator prepares to conduct various tests aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is the first aircraft carrier to host test operations for an unmanned aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Alan Radecki/Released)
Comments