ABOARD THE USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH — The Navy successfully landed a drone the size of a fighter jet aboard an aircraft carrier for the first time Wednesday, showcasing the military’s capability to have a computer program perform one of the most difficult tasks that a pilot is asked to do.
The landing of the X-47B experimental aircraft means the Navy can move forward with its plans to develop another unmanned aircraft that will join the fleet alongside traditional airplanes to provide around-the-clock surveillance while also possessing a strike capability. It also would pave the way for the U.S. to launch unmanned aircraft without the need to obtain permission from other countries to use their bases.
“It is not often that you get a chance to see the future, but that’s what we got to do today. This is an amazing day for aviation in general and for naval aviation in particular,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said after watching the landing.
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