Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator program

The United States Navy Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) program consists of

• Northrop Grumman X-47A Pegasus
• Northrop Grumman X-47B

The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) May 14, 2013.

The UCAS-D program was to demonstrate the feasibility of operating an unmanned vehicle on an aircraft carrier. Technology and operational procedures gained from the program and X-47B demonstrator were used to develop an operational unmanned carrier aircraft through the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program. After debate over whether the UCLASS should primarily focus on stealthy bombing or scouting, the Pentagon instead changed the entire program into the Carrier-Based Aerial-Refueling System (CBARS) program.^[1] This new program intended to create an UAV for aerial refueling duties to extend the range of manned fighters.^[2]

MQ-25 Stingray during testing

This new project lead to the development of the aerial refueling drone, the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray.

See also

• UCLASS
• Drone carrier