"Every exercise
completed out here is data gathered for the UCAS-D team," said
Tarver. "A carrier environment can only be simulated to a certain
extent on land, so we have to take our time when it comes to evolutions
like this."
Matt Funk, the lead test engineer on the demonstration project, said
Truman has been extremely helpful during the X-47B's testing, and
Sailors aboard the carrier have been receptive to the training required
to work with the new system.
"Everyone's really excited about this program and has provided
a lot of positive feedback," said Funk. "I think it's been
especially popular with younger Sailors who have grown up surrounded
by computers. They recognize that the systems used to control and
fly the aircraft are very much like what they'd expect to see in a
video game."
"We are bringing the most advanced technologies together to make
this a successful evolution," said Lt. Anthony Lee, Truman's
flight deck officer. "This type of innovation hasn't been seen
since the first time an aircraft landed aboard a carrier, which puts
us further ahead as a military."
According to Don Blottenberger, principal deputy program manager for
PMA-268, the X-47B's testing aboard Truman has resulted in significant
progress for UCAS-D.
"UCAS-D is a learning program which means we're here to learn
all of the lessons of how we will integrate into a variety of the
systems on board Truman," said Blottenberger. "Because we
are still in the early stages of this technology, we aren't currently
looking at how these aircraft might be utilized from a mission stand
point. Nevertheless, the learning we have done has uncovered the benefits
of autonomous flight regardless of whether the aircraft is manned
or unmanned."
Blottenberger said crew members and operators, like those the team
has worked with aboard Truman, will remain a large part of this learning
and demonstration program through its completion.
"Every person we've met is curious and has great questions about
what we're doing and how Sailors interact with the X-47B," said
Blottenberger. "Truman has been invaluable to our program."
The X-47B is scheduled to complete taxi testing before Truman returns
to its homeport in Naval Station Norfolk.
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonnie Hobby, Harry S.
Truman Strike Group Public Affairs
