By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Taylor DiMartino, USS Harry S.
Truman Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy hoisted an X-47B Unmanned
Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator on board aircraft carrier USS Harry
S. Truman (CVN 75) Nov. 26, in preparation for an unmanned aircraft's first,
carrier-based testing.
A team from the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System
program office (PMA-268) embarked Truman to conduct tests and demonstrations.
The X-47B, which boasts a wingspan of more than 62 feet (wider than that
of an F/A-18 Super Hornet), will demonstrate seamless integration into carrier
flight deck operations through various tests. During each demonstration, the
X-47B will be controlled remotely via a hand-held control display unit (CDU).
Truman will be the first modern aircraft carrier to host test operations
for an unmanned aircraft.
Capt. Jaime Engdahl, N-UCAS program manager,
said the X-47B's delivery aboard Truman was among the most historic moments
in the program's history.
"This
is a very important moment for the X-47B," said Engdahl. "The moment the aircraft
set down on Truman's deck was the moment it officially met the fleet."
Cmdr. Kevin Watkins, N-UCAS's flight test director, agreed with Engdahl's
sentiment.
"Bringing the X-47B aboard Truman is a big milestone for
the program," said Watkins. "We've been testing the aircraft for the last
several years and to finally put it on a ship is so exciting. If these tests
are successful, they will prove that the future for unmanned aircraft is wide
open."
Lt. Cmdr. Larry Tarver, Truman's aircraft handling officer,
who helped coordinate the X-47B's on-load, said his Sailors are eager to participate
in the aircraft's testing.
"It means a lot to our crew to be part of
naval history," said Tarver. "We have Sailors who received additional training
to safely move the X-47B and they are excited to play a part in its testing."
While technical challenges are to be expected when introducing the new
system to a carrier's flight deck, Engdahl said he expects the tests to be
successful citing strong teamwork between his team and Truman's crew.
"The support from Truman has been phenomenal and it's going to continue
to take close cooperation between the carrier's Sailors and the UCAS-D team
to make these demonstrations successful," said Engdahl. "To operate large,
unmanned aircraft off of a carrier, from anywhere in the world, will be a
key capability for the Navy after these tests are successful."
The
X-47B test will be conducted over a three week period which will include in-port
and underway demonstrations aboard Truman.
X-47B Being Lowered onto Deck of the USS Harry S. Truman (U.S. Navy video)
X-47B Being Lowered onto Deck of the USS Harry S. Truman
(U.S. Navy video)
X-47B Being Lowered onto Deck of the USS Harry S. Truman
(U.S. Navy video)
X-47B Being Lowered onto Deck of the USS Harry S. Truman
(U.S. Navy video)
Posted
December 9, 2012
About Airplanes & Rockets
Kirt Blattenberger
Carpe Diem! (Seize the Day!)
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...
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Lt. Cmdr. Larry Tarver, Truman's aircraft handling officer,
who helped coordinate the X-47B's on-load, said his Sailors are eager to participate
in the aircraft's testing.
