Historic First Flight of X-47B Unmanned Combat Aircraft What: MEDIA ROUNTABLE Members of the electronic, print and broadcast media are invited to participate in a media teleconference with U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman program managers to discuss the details of the historic first flight of the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System-Demonstration (UCAS-D) aircraft. First flight occurred on Feb. 3 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. When: Saturday, Feb 5, 2011 Conference Check-In: 11:30 – 11:55 a.m. EST Media Roundtable: 12:00 noon to 2::00 p.m. EST Spokespersons: Capt. Jaime Engdahl, Navy UCAS-D Program Manager Mr. Don Blottenberger, Navy UCAS-D Dep. Principal Program Manager Janis Pamiljans, VP and UCAS-D Program Manager, Northrop Grumman Teleconference Call-in Details: U.S. (toll free): 866.578.5788 Pass code 323 225 17 International direct: 1.617.213.8057 Passcode 323 225 17 Media Materials Availability: News Release: navair.navy.mil (media tab) News Release: NGC web site for NR) Social Media News Release (NGC website for SMNR) Broadcast-Quality B-roll: ftp.northropgrumman.com user name: ucasnews password: ucasnews1 Background: The X-47B is a tailless, strike fighter-sized unmanned system currently under development by Northrop Grumman as part of the U.S. Navy’s Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. Under a contract awarded in 2007, the company has designed, developed and is currently producing two X-47B aircraft. In the 2013 timeframe, these aircraft will be used to demonstrate the first carrier-based launches and recoveries by an autonomous, low-observable relevant unmanned aircraft. The UCAS-D program will also be used to mature relevant carrier landing and integration technologies, and to demonstrate autonomous aerial refueling by the X-47B aircraft. UCAS-D is designed to help the U.S. Navy explore the future of unmanned carrier aviation. A successful UCAS-D flight test program, including a series of successful carrier-based launches and recoveries, will help set the stage for the development of a more permanent, carrier-based fleet of unmanned aircraft.