Case Study: Northrop Grumman achieves autonomous UCAS success with Wind River VxWorks

Northrop Grumman powers the 38-foot X-47B with Wind River VxWorks

Northrop Grumman was tasked by the U.S. Navy to develop the X-47B, an unmanned combat air system capable of operating autonomously from an aircraft carrier. The challenge was to translate the complex real-time cues used by human pilots into a digital language for a robotic system. Northrop Grumman selected Wind River and its VxWorks platform as a key part of the software architecture for this program.

Wind River provided the VxWorks platform, which served as the primary computing environment and foundation for the system's computers and networks. This solution enabled Northrop Grumman to rapidly develop, deploy, and maintain the safety-critical control systems. The program was a success, with the X-47B achieving safe carrier integration and the entire team, including Wind River, being awarded the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy for this aeronautical achievement.

Northrop Grumman