x-47b av-2 test flight is a success

Northrup Grumman's Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstration program took a step forward with a successful test flight on Nov. 22 of the air vehicle 2 (AV-2). The AV-2 took off from Edwards AFB, CA and landed a half hour later, concluding an entirely pre-determined flight. "The X-47B is a computer-controlled unmanned aircraft system that takes off, flies a preprogrammed mission, and then returns to base - all in response to mouse clicks from a mission operator. The operator actively monitors the X-47B air vehicle's operation using simple situational awareness displays, but does not fly it via remote control, as some unmanned systems are operated," reports Space Travel. The next steps are carrier launches and recoveries in 2013 and "autonomous aerial refueling demonstrations are planned for 2014". A previous post covered the X-47B's maiden flight with video directly available here. The Rise of the Machines is taking place right before our eyes!

related update: x-37b's mysterious mission extended

unmanned x-47b: rise of the machines

A completely pre-programmed unmanned plane is more than just a drone, it's an Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS). The X-47B went on its maiden flight and is reputed to refuel in air and land on aircraft carriers. Is it connected to Skynet? The present writer hasn't felt this chill since first seeing a cruise missile flying at treetop levels, decades ago! Is it instinctive to sense the threat posed by hard metal against mortal flesh? Mail Online, in "Rise of the machines: Maiden Flight of US Navy bat-winged robot stealth bomber that has no need for human pilot," makes it seem humanity may be riding into the sunset? "Slightly smaller than the B2 stealth bomber, the X-47B carries laser-guided bombs and can fly faster than 500 miles per hour at 40,000 feet," informs the Daily Mail. A video follows the article where the UCAS takes off and lands flawlessly. Tests will be completed by late 2011 for the first X-47B, followed closely by testing of a second UCAS.