Bids are in for U.S. Navy's UCAS-D

Posted on: Apr. 2nd, 2007 || Source: Aviation Week | E-mail Article | Print Article

Bids are in for U.S. Navy's UCAS-D

The U.S. Navy is finally accepting proposals for stealthy unmanned combat aerial system (UCAS) vehicles that can demonstrate a capability to operate from carriers.

The technology, if eventually embraced and purchased, could alter how carrier aviation is employed by extending the reach of U.S. surveillance and enabling strikes on remote locations without relying on nearby land bases.

Boeing and Northrop Grumman have been dusting off their earlier X-45 and X-47 designs for the Navy's recent request for proposals (RFP) on the UCAS-D (demonstrator) program. The RFP involves a specific set of requirements for carrier operations, including catapult launch, arrested landing and deck handling. Both manufacturers prepared more advanced vehicles for earlier demonstration projects, and both are expected to submit proposals that exceed the Navy's immediate needs with UCAS-D, according to a Pentagon official.

Northrop Grumman will offer two UCAS-D aircraft, the first slated for an initial flight in November 2008 and the second following about a year later. Northrop Grumman is teamed with its Joint Strike Fighter partner, Lockheed Martin, which is designing the leading edges of the aircraft, control surfaces, engine inlet and is providing the systems integration, says Scott Winship, Northrop Grumman's UCAS-D program manager.

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