Modified X-47B emerges at Plant 42

Aviation Leak published pictures of the Northrop rotational MQ-25A entry outside of Plant 42. It as the article speculates a X-47B modified with refueling gear. I think that freeing up F-18's by using it a tanking role is operationally sound, they once again have missed the ball by not developing the UCAV.

aviationweek.com...

www.thedrive.com...

a reply to: FredT

That's definitely a buddy pod. Northrop is in the catbird seat with the X-47B, and are making sure they stay there. No matter who wins, they're going hat in hand to Northrop for software help. It will cost a large amount of money to develop and certify software to operate on the deck of a carrier from ground zero.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Geez. Good thing. Tanker has got to be the most boring flight ever.

a reply to: cosmania

We got so pissed at the Hornet guys after RIMPAC one year, when the next one rolled around, we told the carriers if they wanted their Hornets refueled, they'd send an A-6 with pods to the tanker and THEY could refuel them.

a reply to: FredT

Maybe we get lucky and there will be leaked satellite images of something at the base too??

a reply to: worldstarcountry

What a waste.

a reply to: PhantomTwo

Beats the hell out of wearing out an already tired airframe.

a reply to: Zaphod58

RIMPAC

Tee Hee!

So, that matches my sightings in the night sky with optics.....

I see that shape...anyway, thought they were bigger, but

How much fuel,is in that pod...I'm curious?

reply to: worldstarcountry

a reply to: GBP/JPY

This has nothing to do with what you said you see. The X-47 hasn't flown in over a year.

I can see a puzzled NK radar operator when he finds something Sparrow size on his scope with a couple F-18,s behind it..

a reply to: GBP/JPY
Maybe you saw a different type of drone??