(X-47B)

Since U.S. Navy drone X-47B landed on an aircraft carrier for the first time on July 10^th, American media speaks highly of the unmanned aircraft. According to U.S. Stars and Stripes (newspaper) on 10^th, the test landing of X-47B was seen as a milestone in drone technology and the program that has been started since ten years ago. The success of X-47B will redefine naval aviation.

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The X-47B was launched from the deck in the morning of 10^th. Relying on accurate GPS coordinates and advanced avionics, the X-47B drone automatically communicated with the carrier's computers to determine speed, crosswinds and other data as it approaches from miles away. Finally, after safely flying above the Atlantic Ocean, it came in for a perfect landing on aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush.

During the test flight on July 10^th, X-47B finished two successful landings. After the first landing, the aircraft was positioned on a catapult, launched and came around again to repeat the feat. The second landing was also successful as commanders switch strategies to order X-47B to catch the No. 2, or middle wire on the carrier.

Japan's media are cheerful about the results. Japanese Kyodo News wrote articles about the significant landing. It says U.S. Navy drone X-47B's success will prevent China from rising up. As U.S. stealth drone technology has made a giant step forward, the X-47B, which resembles a miniature B-2 stealth bomber, has a 62-foot wingspan and can fly higher than 40,000 feet. It has a range of more than 2,400 miles and can reach high subsonic speeds. In addition, comparing with F-35, X-47B's combat range doubles. Though China is developing anti-ship missiles, this new type attack bombers can keep U.S. aircraft carriers far from seashores.