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UAV · UCAV (demonstrator)

X-47B

Northrop Grumman · United States

Tailless, low-observable carrier-capable UCAV demonstrator; first to perform autonomous carrier launch/recovery (2013) and autonomous aerial refueling (2015).

CountryUnited States
SubcategoryFixed-wing
PriceNo unit price; UCAS-D contract ~$635.8M (2007) for two demonstrators. CSV $800M unverified.
SubtypeUCAV (demonstrator)
RoleCarrier-based UCAV demonstrator
ClassUS Group 5
ClassificationExperimental/demonstrator UCAS
MissionStrike (demo), ISR (demo)
DatalinkSATCOM and LOS
VariantsAV-1, AV-2
Notable partnersPratt & Whitney (F100 engine), US Navy/NAVAIR
MTOW (kg)20185
OperatorsUS Navy (test)
Frame typeFlying wing
Length (m)11.6
PropulsionTurbofan
Range (km)3900
Wingspan (m)18.9
Combat-provenNo
Export statusNot exported
Launch methodCarrier catapult, Runway
Autonomy levelFully autonomous
Recovery methodCarrier arrested landing, Runway
Year introduced2011
Max payload (kg)2041
Max speed (km/h)1102
Production statusDemonstrator only
Notable engagements2013 first autonomous carrier catapult launch and arrested landing; 2015 first autonomous aerial refueling of a UAV
Service ceiling (m)12192
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Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/aircraft/x-47b-ucas