[csvset]

An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator is loaded onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush on May 6, 2013. The George H.W. Bush is scheduled to be the first aircraft carrier to catapult-launch an unmanned aircraft from its flight deck. The carrier is preparing to conduct training operations in the Atlantic Ocean. (MC2 Tony D. Curtis | U.S. Navy)

[martin_fierro]

For the first time ever, the Navy plans to catapult an unmanned aerial vehicle off a carrier flight deck

OIC. Nevermind.

[fredhead]

Note that it is going to land at Pax River, not on the carrier. Carrier arrested landings are significantly more difficult than catapault launches.

[A.A. Cunningham]

130510-N-FU443-303 NORFOLK (May 10, 2013) Dave Lorenz, a Northrop Grumman deck operator, drives an X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator using an arm-mounted controller on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is scheduled to be the first aircraft carrier to catapult launch an unmanned aircraft from its flight deck. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Walter/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 13, 2013)
An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator is towed into the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is scheduled to be the first aircraft carrier to catapult-launch an unmanned aircraft from its flight deck. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Walter (Released) 130513-N-FU443-020

[kidd]

I was expecting to see a drone. This looks like it can deliver a much bigger payload.

But if it can’t land back on the carrier, it must have very limited applications. It looks too expensive to ditch at sea as part of its normal operation.

[JimRed]

Programmed with the GPS coordinates of Tea Party HQ, no doubt.