This is the moment the US Navy carries out tests on the world’s first carrier-based unmanned aircraft onboard the USS George H.W. Bush supercarrier.

The US Navy shared the footage on social media on 22nd December with the message: “Prime cuts featuring the Navy’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation Demonstration (UCAD) of the MQ-25A unmanned air system prototype aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in December 2021, which laid the groundwork for future, carrier-based unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations.

“The MQ-25 will be the world’s first operational, carrier-based unmanned aircraft and is integral to the Air Wing of the Future Family of Systems.

“Its initial operating capability as an aerial refueling tanker will extend the range, operational capability, and power projection of the carrier air wing (CVW) and carrier strike group (CSG). USS George H.W. Bush delivers operational capability to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend US, allied, and partner interests.”