seruriermarshal
08-04-2004, 12:47 AM
X-45As Fly Together for First Time
Two Boeing X-45A unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) flew under the control of a single pilot-operator, successfully working together in a co-ordinated flight, thereby, completing what is claimed to be the first ever multiple air vehicle control flight demonstration. The flight took place at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, yesterday.
The groundbreaking mission began when both Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) X-45A technology demonstrators departed in succession from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. After joining up over the test range, the UCAVS demonstrated co-ordinated operations by flying preset formations that involved autonomous manoeuvering to hold their relative positions. The two X-45A aircraft were able to fly the same mission plan on their own which significantly reduced their pilot-operator’s workload.
Both UCAVs returned safely to the base, landed on a common runway and taxied to the shutdown location.
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From (http://www.shephard.co.uk/UVOnline/Default.aspx?Action=-187126550&ID=e45093c1-9360-402f-9b59-14c1d9872c6aBoeing)
Two Boeing X-45A unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) flew under the control of a single pilot-operator, successfully working together in a co-ordinated flight, thereby, completing what is claimed to be the first ever multiple air vehicle control flight demonstration. The flight took place at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, yesterday.
The groundbreaking mission began when both Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) X-45A technology demonstrators departed in succession from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. After joining up over the test range, the UCAVS demonstrated co-ordinated operations by flying preset formations that involved autonomous manoeuvering to hold their relative positions. The two X-45A aircraft were able to fly the same mission plan on their own which significantly reduced their pilot-operator’s workload.
Both UCAVs returned safely to the base, landed on a common runway and taxied to the shutdown location.
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From (http://www.shephard.co.uk/UVOnline/Default.aspx?Action=-187126550&ID=e45093c1-9360-402f-9b59-14c1d9872c6aBoeing)