Northrop Navy team honored for X-47B work

A Northrop Grumman/U.S. Navy team for the X-47B unmanned combat air system demonstration has been honored by Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine.

The team was awarded a Laureate Award for aeronautics and propulsion in their development and operation of the system, used in an aircraft carrier environment.

“It has truly been a phenomenal year for this team,” said Rear Adm. Mat Winter, who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. “This award is a well-deserved recognition for the X-47B team and underpins the historical significance and dedication of the hundreds of civilian, military and industry teammates who were instrumental in executing the technical achievements required to operate the first-ever carrier-capable UAS.”

The X-47B is the size of a fighter aircraft and has a range of more than 2,100 nautical miles. The demonstrator has performed eight catapult launches, 30 touch-and-goes and seven arrested landings from carriers.

Work is continuing of integrating the system into a carrier environment.

The Aviation Week Laureate Awards recognize the accomplishments of individuals and teams in the aerospace, aviation and defense industry.