Northrop Grumman designed the X-47 Pegasus unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator under a $12 million DARPA/Navy contract. it's supposed to evaluate technologies and ideas 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 one X-47 flight test aircraft was formally rolled out in July, 2001.
Expected capabilities of the Pegasus include a combat radius of 1,300 nautical miles with a payload of 4,500 pounds, and also the ability to loiter for two hours over a target up to 1,000 nautical miles away, an operational altitude of greater than 35,000 feet and a high subsonic speed.
The X-47 will be capable of defense stimulation, deception and neutralization as well as being remotely networked with theater and national sensor systems. Expect the plane to hold a complement of advanced SEAD ordinance and accurately target multiple enemies simultaneously.
Expected capabilities of the Pegasus include a combat radius of 1,300 nautical miles with a payload of 4,500 pounds, and also the ability to loiter for two hours over a target up to 1,000 nautical miles away, an operational altitude of greater than 35,000 feet and a high subsonic speed.
The X-47 will be capable of defense stimulation, deception and neutralization as well as being remotely networked with theater and national sensor systems. Expect the plane to hold a complement of advanced SEAD ordinance and accurately target multiple enemies simultaneously.
