Future: In addition to the planned carrier launches and landings in 2013, the program will also demonstrate the ability of the X-47B to conduct autonomous aerial refuelling operations in 2014Rise Of The Machines: Navy's First Unmanned Stealth Drone One Step Closer To Aircraft Carrier Landing -- Daily Mail
The U.S. Navy's latest stealth drone has completed a series of rigorous summer flight tests - taking it one step closer to its first automated carrier landing.
Reaching speeds of 180 knots, two experimental X-47B drones have completed their summer test schedule to evaluate software and other modifications before the first test aircraft carrier landing in 2013.
While the X-47B is expected to usher in a new era of unmanned aircraft, critics have raised concerns over the lack of human control in increasingly deadly military hardware.
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Update: Exclusive: Northrop's Carrier Drone Tops 180 Knots in Navy Tests -- Aol Defense
My Comment: The US Navy has been slow in developing its own versions of drones. The X-47B makes up for this delay.