No pilot, no problem
The experimental X-47B pilotless plane in development for the Navy will fly from aircraft carriers. It is being used to demonstrate how unmanned systems can be integrated with traditional carrier operations. How the plane will land:
X-47B features
The Navy and contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. are using the X-47B to demonstrate the ability of a pilotless plane to land on an aircraft carrier underway at sea.
On approach
About five miles from landing, the plane begins to process ship position and deck motion data more than 100 times a second and continues to do so during approach.
Just before touchdown
A landing signals officer monitors the approach and can wave off the landing with a hand-held device; plane makes another approach.
Hooking an arrestor wire
Plane lands within a foot of deck’s center line; if it misses arresting wire, it lifts off the deck and reenters the landing pattern.
After landing
After the landing, an aircraft handler directs the plane, and a deck operator with a wireless device taxis it out of the landing area.
Sources: Northrup Grumman Corp.
Credits: Graphics reporting by Tom Reinken / Graphic by Doug Stevens /