UCLASS ? « Unmanned Carrier-Launched Surveillance and Strike” , en bref un drone de surveillance et de combat basé sur un porte-avions
Le X-47B en est un démonstrateur
Voir http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_Carrier-Launched_Surveillance_and_Strike_program
Extrait
The US Navy has launched a series of preliminary studies expected to lead toward the services’ decision on a future carrier-borne drone currently known as Unmanned Carrier Launched Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS). This drone will be the first unmanned system designed from the ground up to operate from aircraft carriers. Four companies have been awarded $15 million each to conduct a preliminary design review.
Follow-on to these studies, a draft Request for Proposal (RFP –appel d’offres) is expected to be released by the Navy in September. The formal RFP is expected in 2014. Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have awarded funds for the preliminary studies and are expected to compete for the development program. The planned naval drone, likely to be named and designated by year’s end, is expected to be one of the largest unmanned aerial systems programs of the decade.
Autres billets de la même source :
US Navy to Review Four Designs for UCLASS; Plans Fielding…
Lockheed Martin Unveils Concept Design for a Carrier-Based…
U.S. Navy Looks at a Common Control System for future Naval…
DARPA’s Future MALE Drones to Operate From Littoral…
Boeing’s Concept Design for a Naval Manned/Unmanned…