The US Air Force has revealed an estimated $60 million unit cost for an operational platform to follow the Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS) demonstrator programme. Boeing will deliver its first of three X-45C J-UCAS demonstrators in July 2006 for operational assessment from 2007-11, with Northrop Grumman to manufacture two X-47B air vehicles.
Source: Flight International
Northrop Grumman continues to chase international sales opportunities for its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and MQ-4C Triton maritime surveillance aircraft, as it simultaneously introduces upgrades to both platforms.
Amid steady demand for existing propulsion systems, the defence unit of GE Aerospace is targeting development efforts on a series of next-generation technologies, including high-powered adaptive engines and small, low-cost solutions for uncrewed fighter jets.
Northrop Grumman has built the experimental XRQ-73 hybrid-electric flying-wing that it has been developing under a secretive US military project.
