The US Navy is developing designs to compete for the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) Air Vehicle.The preliminary design review assessment is to support
UCLASS, a system “to enhance aircraft carrier/air wing operations by providing a responsive, world-wide presence via an organic, sea-based unmanned aerial system, with persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting, and strike capabilities
UCLASS is to be an operational, jet-powered aircraft, able to carry out persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and engage in strike missions at ranges up to 2,000 nautical miles.
The basic technology for a carrier-based, unmanned jet aircraft has been proven by Northrop Grumman’s X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program, which produced two test aircraft. The first carrier launch of the aircraft took place May 14, and the first landings were performed on July 10, successfully completing the test program requirements.
With the UCAS-D test program complete, Navy officials, had declared their intention to dispose of the two X-47Bs next year, probably to museums. However, on Aug. 13 NAVAIR officials modified that plan and announced the aircraft would continue to be used in testing programs.
Navy aviation officials are planning for the UCLASS to become operational with the fleet by 2020.
No comments:
Post a Comment