AIAA Congratulates U.S. Navy And Northrop Grumman On Successful Launch of X-47B Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Written 15 May 2013

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CONTACT: DUANE HYLAND
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Carrier-Launched UAV Will Extend Strike Capacity of US Navy

May 15, 2013 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) congratulates the U.S. Navy and AIAA corporate member Northrop Grumman Corp. on the successful launch of their X-47B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), from the deck of the George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier on May 14. The launch made aviation history, marking the first catapult launch of a jet propelled UAV from an aircraft carrier flight deck.

AIAA President Mike Griffin stated: “The X-47B represents a new era in defense technology, and promises to increase the nation’s ability to project force around the world into areas where national interests are threatened, while minimizing the risks to the members of our armed services. The X-47B UAV reflects the best of our industry – ingenious people working to create new technology to ensure that our nation’s prosperity and security remain well protected.”

Able to be launched from a carrier, and to carry up to 4,500 pounds of ordinance over a flight range of up to 2,100 miles, the X-47B will extend the strike capability of the U.S. Navy beyond current abilities, and promises to transform the way air cover is provided for future battle operations.

AIAA is the world’s largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession. With more than 35,000 individual members worldwide, and100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org.