Unmanned Update

Looks like the Unmanned Combat Air System can fly after all, as InsideDefense.com reported over the weekend:

UCAS-D Lifts Off; Surrogate Carrier Testing Scheduled For This Spring

Feb. 5, 2011 -- The Navy successfully launched the Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator, Northrop Grumman's X-47B, from Edwards Air Force Base, CA, on Feb. 4, and the program's next move will be to launch F-18s with X-47B software from a carrier as surrogates later this spring, program officials said today.

The program aims to demonstrate unmanned aircraft launch and recovery from an aircraft carrier as a precursor to the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Aerial Surveillance System tentatively scheduled for fielding in 2018.

According to program manager Capt. Jaime Engdahl, who spoke to reporters in a telephone roundtable today, now that the autonomous “cranked kite” shape aircraft design has shown it is able to get off the ground, the program will proceed with expanding the craft's flight envelope, followed by the surrogate F-18 launches to collect data on the X-47B software control. In early 2012, the unmanned demonstrator aircraft will move to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD, which has facilities capable of simulating launches and landings from a carrier flight deck. In summer 2013, the program plans to launch UCAS-D from a real carrier.

Lots more unmanned systems news from our coverage of last week's annual AUVSI conference. For those who don't subscribe to Unmanned Systems Alert, here's a taste:

Carter Formally Axes Two FCS Spin-Outs As Army Preps NIK For Testing

Inside the Army, Feb. 7, 2011 -- Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter has officially terminated the Class 1 Unmanned Aerial System and the Unmanned Ground Sensors that were part of the Army's Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team, ringing in what service officials are calling the "conclusion" of the entire program, according to a memo obtained by Inside the Army.

Army Working Plans To Double The Number Of Small Drones For Its BCTs

Inside the Army, Feb. 7, 2011 -- Training and Doctrine Command officials are working on a revised equipment plan across Army formations that would more than double the number of small, hand-launched aerial surveillance drones throughout brigade combat teams, an increase that would bring the Army-wide number of these systems from 2,250 to almost 5,000, according to a command official.

Official Doubtful That Transport Helos Could Be Turned Into Cargo UAS

Inside the Army, Feb. 7, 2011 -- A Training and Doctrine Command official last week dampened expectations that the Army could somehow turn Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters into "optionally piloted" aircraft for carrying cargo, an idea eyed by the service as part of an ongoing study.

Chief Scientist: Army Must Adjust Approach To Autonomous Capabilities

Inside the Army, Feb. 7, 2011 -- The Army must adjust how it pursues unmanned autonomous capabilities amid uncertainty about the service's ability to deliver future reliable autonomy performance in theater, the Army's new chief scientist said last week.

Continuing Resolution Could Delay Early Efforts To Field STUAS

Inside the Navy, Feb. 7, 2011 -- The congressional continuing resolution the federal government is operating under could delay the Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (STUAS) from early fielding, according to Lt. Col. George Beach, the unmanned aerial systems coordinator at Marine Corps Headquarters Aviation, who spoke at an unmanned systems conference in Washington on Feb. 2.

UCLASS To Put Out Requirements, Start AOA In Late Feb., Early March

Inside the Navy, Feb. 7, 2011 --The Navy expects to finalize capabilities requirements for its Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance System by the end of the month and begin an analysis of alternatives in early March, according to the head of the sea service's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities division.

Marines Aim For User Evaluation On Cargo UAS From Afghanistan By 2013

Inside the Navy, Feb. 7, 2011 -- The Marine Corps is aiming to have a limited user evaluation on Cargo UAS sent back from the field in Afghanistan by 2013, according to Lt. Col. George Beach, the unmanned aerial systems coordinator at Marine Corps Headquarters Aviation, who spoke at an unmanned systems conference in Washington on Feb. 2.

Klunder: Common Controller For UAVs And UUVs Will Be A Challenge

Inside the Navy, Feb. 7, 2011 -- It may be some time before the Navy can create a common controller for unmanned vehicles that spans both the aerial and underwater domains, according to the service's director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Marine UAS Coordinator Outlines Requirements For Weaponizing Shadow UAV

Inside the Navy, Feb. 7, 2011 -- The Marines are working to put a weapon on the RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle after receiving an urgent needs statement from the field in Afghanistan, according to Lt. Col. George Beach, the unmanned aerial systems coordinator for Marine Corps Headquarters Aviation, who outlined the requirements for the new weapon in a Feb. 2 speech at an unmanned systems conference Feb. 2 in Washington.