UAV · UCAV technology demonstrator
X-47A Pegasus
Northrop Grumman · USA
The Northrop Grumman X-47A Pegasus is a tailless, arrowhead-shaped UCAV technology demonstrator built to validate carrier-suitable autonomous operations. It first flew in February 2003 and led to the larger X-47B.
| Country | USA |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | UCAV technology demonstrator |
| Role | Carrier UCAV demonstrator |
| Class | UCAV demonstrator |
| Classification | UCAV demonstrator |
| Mission | Autonomous flight demonstration, Carrier-suitability research |
| Datalink | Autonomous control datalink |
| Variants | X-47A (forerunner of X-47B) |
| Operators | DARPA / US Navy (test) |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Length (m) | 8.5 |
| Propulsion | 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C turbofan |
| Wingspan (m) | 8.47 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | Not exported |
| Launch method | Runway takeoff |
| Autonomy level | Autonomous |
| Endurance (min) | 360 |
| Recovery method | Runway landing |
| Year introduced | 2003 |
| Max payload (kg) | 225 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 1027 |
| Production status | Demonstrator (single aircraft, retired) |
| Service ceiling (m) | 12192 |
| Airframe / lift type | Fixed-wing |
| Control / autonomy level | Fully autonomous (human-off-the-loop, AI-navigated) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – civil | Research |
| Mission / use case – military | Armed UCAV |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Turbine / jet |
| Range / endurance | Close range (5–50 km, 1–6 hrs) |
| Signature / detectability | RF-emitting |
| Speed regime | High-speed / jet (>400 km/h) |
Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.northropgrumman.com