Top Gun

The Navy's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System completed its first-ever carrier arrested landing today on the George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) off the coast of Virginia.

The demonstration was the first time a tailless, unmanned autonomous aircraft landed on an aircraft carrier.

“By evolving and integrating new technology like the X-47B and the unmanned aircraft to follow, carriers will remain relevant throughout their 50-year lifespan,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said in a service statement.

In May, the Northrop Grumman-built X-47B completed carrier deck operations aboard the Bush, including a catapult launch and touch-and-gos. Next year, the Navy's plans to carry out aerial refueling demonstrations with the X-47B.