Northrop Grumman X-47B

Imagine: Wikimedia Commons

The Northrop Grumman X-47B is an experimental unmanned combat aircraft that first flew in 2011, serving as a technology demonstrator for autonomous flight and carrier operations. With an 18.9-meter wingspan, 11.6-meter fuselage, and single engine, it successfully demonstrated autonomous carrier landing and refueling capabilities. The seamless integration of autonomous systems with carrier operations proved critical concepts for future naval aviation. This pioneering platform established foundational knowledge for unmanned carrier aircraft development.