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General Atomics Avenger
This 66-ft.-span, 18,200-lb. private-venture Predator C flew in 2009 and later was deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Air Force. A carrier-capable Sea Avenger is proposed for Uclass.
Credit: General Atomics
Aeronautivcal Systems
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Boeing X-45A
First flown in 2002, two of these 49-ft.-span, 12,190-lb. vehicles demonstrated autonomous suppression of enemy air defenses in a Darpa/Air Force program completed in 2006.
Credit: Boeing
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France/U.K. FCAS
BAE and Dassault are leading French and British industry in a two-year, $300 million-plus feasibility study for a joint unmanned combat aircraft demonstrator to fly early in the 2020s and potentially lead to an operational Future Combat Air System around 2030.
Credit: Dassault Aviation
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BAE Systems Taranis
Built under a $290 million U.K.-only program, this Hawk-sized, 18,000-lb.-class vehicle first flew in 2013 and completed stealth flights early in 2014, with trials to continue in 2015.
Credit: BAE Systems
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Northrop Grumman X-47B
Making the first unmanned-aircraft carrier landings and takeoffs in 2013, this 62.1-ft. span, 44,000-lb. vehicle flew in 2011, and will continue testing by the U.S. Navy into 2015.
Credit: Northrop Grumman
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U.S. Navy Uclass
Start of the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Surveillance and Strike program has slipped into 2015 amid debate over requirements for a 14-hr. endurance and the ability to maintain a continuous surveillance orbit 1,200 nm from the ship and carry a 1,000-lb. bomb load 2,000 nm.
Credit: Lockheed Martin
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EADS Barracuda
Flown from 2008 to 2012, this 23.7-ft.-span, 7,165-lb. vehicle was a German/Spanish demonstrator for advanced unmanned aircraft technologies, including cooperating UAVs.
Credit: Airbus
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Dassault Neuron
First flown in late 2012, this 15,500-lb.-class vehicle is testing stealth technology and sensors. Culmination of the $500 million-plus multinational program is planned for 2015 with weapon drops.
Credit: Dassault Aviation
A certain sameness is evident in unmanned combat aircraft flown or planned in the U.S. and Europe—and even China and Russia— a result of an emphasis on stealth with long range and endurance.