Background: Northrop Grumman built the X-47/Pegasus unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator under a $12 million DARPA/Navy contract. It is intended to evaluate technologies and concepts for a possible follow-on carrier-capable, naval UCAV (UCAV-N) for fielding in the post-2010 timeframe. The UCAV-N is to perform three missions: surveillance, strike, and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). The single X-47 flight test aircraft was formally rolled out in July, 2001. The first of a twelve-flight test program is anticipated to begin in late 2001.
Characteristics:
| Length, ft | 27.9 | Wing Span, ft | 27.8 |
| Gross Weight, lbs | 5,500 | Payload Weight, lbs | 1,000 |
| Fuel Capacity, lbs | 1,580 (1,040 mission) | Fuel Type | JP |
| Engine Make | P&W JT15D-5C-TF | Power, lbs | 3,190 |
| Structure | Composite/aluminum | ||
| Guidance | Navigation | GPS/INS | |
| Data Link(s) | LOS only | Data Rate(s) | |
| Endurance, hrs | 1.0+ | Radius, nm | |
| Max Speed, kts | Stall Speed, kts | ||
| Altitude, ft | |||
| Takeoff Means | Conventional | ||
| Navigation | Preprogrammed
/ direct control |
||
| Landing Means | Conventional | ||
Sensor(s):