A72-003-148 NORTHROP GRUMMAN X- 47B

Northrop Grumman X-47B is a modern American experimental unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), which was tested in 2011. The drive is provided by a single motor Pratt & Whitney F-100-200U. The aircraft is 11.63 meters long with a maximum wingspan of 18.92 meters. The flight range is estimated at over 3,900 kilometers and the maximum speed is defined as high subsonic. The machine in its bomb chambers can carry a load of bombs or rockets weighing up to 2,000 kilograms. The X-47B drone was developed by the Northrop Grumman defense concern for the needs of the US Navy. The American government agency DARPA played a significant role in the research and development work. When designing the X-47B, a lot of emphasis was placed on its ability to operate from aircraft carriers, which resulted, among others, in the use of folding wings. The aim was also to ensure stealth properties, which in turn influenced the aerodynamic solutions of the drone, such as the flying wing system used in the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber. The drone is also capable of refueling in the air, which greatly extends its flight range. The cost of the program that led to the creation of the two flying drones is hovering around $ 815 million for 2012 prices.