First flight of X-47B unmanned aircraft demonstrator in cruise mode

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The X-47B demonstrator's first flight in cruise configuration

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The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System flying with its landing gear up during a test flight ...

Article Summary

Having completed its first flight earlier this year, the Northrop Grumman-built U.S. Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft achieved another milestone on September 30 with its first flight in cruise mode. Part of the on-going “envelope expansion” program to demonstrate the aircraft’s performance under a variety of altitude, speed and fuel load conditions, the flight took place at Edwards Air Force Base and saw the aircraft retracting its landing gear and flying in cruise configuration for the first time.

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