Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator program

The United States Navy Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) program included:

• Northrop Grumman X-47A Pegasus
• Northrop Grumman X-47B

The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) on May 14, 2013.

The UCAS-D program was created to demonstrate the feasibility of operating an unmanned aircraft from an aircraft carrier. Technology and operational procedures developed through the program and the X-47B demonstrator informed the design of a future operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft under the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program. After debate over whether UCLASS should prioritize strike or surveillance, the Pentagon restructured the program into the Carrier-Based Aerial Refueling System (CBARS).^[1] The CBARS program aimed to produce an unmanned aerial vehicle for aerial refueling to extend the range of manned fighters.^[2]

MQ-25 Stingray during testing

This project led to the development of the carrier-based aerial refueling drone, the Boeing MQ-25 Stingray.

See also

• UCLASS
• Drone carrier

References

1. UCAS-D set to make historic aircraft carrier landing - Flightglobal.com, 10 July 2013
2. Jr, Sydney J. Freedberg (2016-02-01). "Good-Bye, UCLASS; Hello, Unmanned Tanker, More F-35Cs In 2017 Budget". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 2025-03-06.