X-47B makes successful inaugural flight

JACKSON — On Feb. 4, Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy announced the successful first flight of the X-47B, the first carrier-capable unmanned aircraft developed under the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program.

Eaton Corporation’s Aerospace Group is a key system supplier to Northrop Grumman, the Navy’s UCAS-D prime contractor. Eaton contributions include the X-47B fuel system, engine-driven hydraulic pump, reservoir, selector valve, hoses, Rynglok tube-fitting technology, swivels, flanges, couplings and straps.

The flight test lasted approximately 29 minutes and was conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.