GE Aviation has delivered the first full-scale operational landing gear to Northrop Grumman for the US Navy’s X-47B, a demonstration unmanned combat aerial vehicle preparing to fly in 2010.
The X-47B UCAS landing gear system is designed to withstand the severity of catapult take-offs and arrested landings on the navy’s aircraft carriers at sea.
The system incorporates the latest technology advancements in steering control from Parker Hannifin as well as anti-skid braking systems from Goodrich Corporation.
GE Aviation Mechanical Systems business president Sagar Patel said that this delivery was a major step in supporting the Navy UCAS-D programme.
“Performing the first-ever carrier launches and recoveries of an unmanned tail-less aircraft of this size will be a historic accomplishment,” he said.
GE is responsible for the design, development, qualification and manufacturing of the fully integrated landing gear intended to meet all US Navy carrier landing requirements for a fully loaded UCAS-D aircraft.
