The US Navy says it successfully tested its latest weapon in aerial warfare, the X-47B unmanned aircraft. The plane accomplished its first flight at Edwards Airforce base in California.

The test team says the flight has met their objectives and moved the program forward.

The next plan is testing the tailless, fighter-sized unmanned aircraft for take-off and landing from the deck of a US aircraft-carrier.

The flight also provided test data to verify and validate system software for guidance and navigation, and the aerodynamic control of noise-reducing design. The plane is the first drone capable of carrying out pre-programmed missions autonomously. Take-off, landing, in-flight refueling and the deployment of weapons is controlled by computer.

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