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The X-47B's first aerial refueling test will also be its last
The Navy's X-47B combat UAV demonstrator successfully paired with an an Omega Air KC-707 airtanker earlier this week. This marks the first time in aviation history for a UAV to demonstrate aerial refueling capabilities. Unfortunately, these tests also likely mark the end of the X-47B program. Despite only completing 20 percent of its potential flight hours, both of the Navy's X-47Bs are destined for museums. Still, the technologies that they've demonstrated -- including those historic autonomous carrier landings in 2013 -- will make their way into future unmanned combat aerial vehicles as part of the Navy's Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program.
Europe's combat UAV takes to the skies over Italy
After nearly a decade of design and development, the first full-size nEUROn unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator is ready for operational tests. Six European nations have coordinated on the UCAV's development. Defense contractor Dassault is responsible for its construction. The 41-foot wide, 10,000 pound drone has already passed a pair of initial trials since 2012 and is scheduled to undergo flight tests over Sardinia's Perdasdefogu range in the coming weeks. Should it succeed there, the nEUROn will head to Visdel, Sweden for weapons trials. [Image credit: Getty Images]
