Wednesday, July 17, 2013

X-47B Fails In Fourth Landing Attempt On Monday

The X-47B unmanned jet successfully landed twice last week on the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush, but a third attempt was unsuccessful. Another landing attempt on Monday was aborted before the aircraft reached the carrier. (Christopher P. Cavas / Staff)

X-47B Fails Landing Attempt - Again -- Defense News

Unmanned Jet Was Trying To Repeat Last Week's Success

WASHINGTON — The X-47B unmanned jet, which successfully landed twice last week on an aircraft carrier, was unable to repeat the feat Monday, U.S. Navy sources confirmed July 16.

The aircraft nailed its first two landing attempts July 10 on the USS George H. W. Bush, but a third landing that day was aborted when the aircraft’s systems detected a problem with an onboard computer. Following its programming, the aircraft then flew to a “divert” field at Wallops Island, Va., where it remains.

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Northrop Grumman engineers were back on board the carrier Monday to try for a third successful “trap,” this time using the other of two X-47B aircraft.

Read more ....

Update #1: Navy scrubs 4th drone carrier landing attempt after problem detected, ends carrier-based test -- Washington Post/AP
Update #2: Drone Aborts Fourth Carrier Landing Attempt -- Defense Tech

My Comment: If you first do not succeed .... try, try, try again.









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