Northrop-Grumman Unveils Operational Concept for UCAV-N

Released on Tuesday, April 15, 2003

The Northrop-Grumman Corporation unveiled its operational system concept for a Naval Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle capable of surveillance, SEAD and strike missions from an aircraft carrier.

The concept introduced by Northrop-Grumman would be able to carry out successfully today's US Air Force and US Navy missions, but employing Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs).

The concept combines the kite aerodynamic shape successfully by the tailless X-47A Pegasus experimental UAV with a flying-wing shape. This design enables efficient integration of propulsion and weapons, while the wing extensions provide improved aerodynamic performance. It also provides long endurance, high survivability and low-speed, aerodynamic flying qualities, and precision landing capabilities required for operations from carriers.