[quote][b][url=/v3/forum/avions-sans-pilote-38/topic/x-47-513/?post=42474#post-42474]ex-trident[/url] a dit le 12/01/2009 à 14:43 :[/b]

[quote]
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.
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http://www.janes.com/news/defence/naval/jni/jni090112_1_n.shtml[/quote]