The Northrop Grumman-built US Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft successfully completed its first flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Taking off under hazy skies, the X-47B climbed to an altitude of 5,000 feet, flew several racetrack-type patterns, and landed safely at 2:38 p.m. PST, February 4th 2011. The flight provided test data to verify and validate system software for guidance and navigation, and the aerodynamic control of the tailless design.
