X-47B UCAS B-Roll: Next-Gen Carrier Drone Tech That Could Inspire NZ Aerospace Innovation

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) in action — Northrop Grumman’s groundbreaking experimental drone that made history as the first unmanned aircraft to launch from and land on an aircraft carrier. This B-roll footage gives aerospace enthusiasts, engineers, and defence analysts a clear view of the sleek design, carrier operations, and autonomous flight technology that’s redefining the future of aerial combat.

While developed for U.S. naval use, the X-47B offers key insights that resonate here in New Zealand — where our aerospace sector is growing rapidly thanks to initiatives like Rocket Lab, KiwiSat, and University-led UAV programs. With our strong academic base and regional focus on security in the Pacific, the X-47B represents the kind of forward-thinking platform that Kiwi innovators can learn from.

Whether you're studying engineering in Canterbury, developing autonomous systems in Wellington, or shaping defence strategy from Auckland, this footage is a visual guide to what next-generation unmanned aviation looks like. It also prompts timely conversations around NZ’s role in future-ready regional defence and the ethical, technical, and environmental questions surrounding autonomous air systems.

As Aotearoa deepens its investment in both space and defence tech, the X-47B remains a symbol of what’s possible — and a blueprint for high-performance autonomous innovation.

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