5. USA-based Northrop Grumman X-47B
Producing company: Northrop Grumman
principal users: the US Navy
Program Expense: $813,000,000*
Cost per unit: $405 million*
This unmanned combat aerial vehicle, or UCAV, was a component of the renowned DARPA J-UCAS program. It is an airplane with blended wings and a large jet engine. It can operate semi-autonomously and refuel from the air. After its maiden flight in 2011, the X-47B was adopted by the US Navy and served as a vital component for four years.
Northrop Grumann X-47B (USA) / Pinterest / @carlos_alva0448
The X-47B hasn’t yet been put to the test in real warfare, though. There are only two in existence, and the Navy is maintaining them in perfect condition for “future developments.” Northrop Grumman withdrew the aircraft from the MQ-25 competition due to issues with the terms of the contract. The X-47A Pegasus is the ancestor of the X-47B.
It was unclear why the Northrop Grumman X-47B was canceled. Only in October 2017 did Northrop Grumman provide specifics, stating that it would have been “unable” to finish the program “under the terms” of the proposal request. In addition to having to pay for the transportation of the Northrop Grumman X-47B from Palmdale, Northrop Grumman also had to pay for its return shipment when the defense billionaire had second thoughts.
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