NASA’s Remotely-Piloted Aircraft

Question- Which large unmanned aircraft was flown in public air space for the first time by the NASA without Chase Plane?
(a) Ikhana Aircraft
(b) Aerojet SD2
(c) V-Bat
(d) Radioplane Q1
Answer: (a)
Related Facts:

  • On June 12th, 2018, remotely-piloted aircraft, based at the NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, successfully flew its first mission in the National Airspace System without a safety chase aircraft.
  • This aircraft is – Ikhana Aircraft.
  • This achievement will prove to be helpful in emergency search and rescue operations and monitoring and prevention of forest fire.
  • ‘Ikhana’ flew to California’s Edwards Flight Research Center and entered Class-A Airspace.
  • The Calss-A, airspace is located at an altitude of 20,000 feet.
  • Where commercial airlines fly.

See also the links below:-
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-flies-large-unmanned-aircraft-in-public-airspace-without-chase-plane-for-first
https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/nasas-unmanned-aircraft-ikhana-successfully-flown-in-us-public-airspace-4508957.html
http://www.newsweek.com/ikhana-nasa-has-just-flown-unmanned-aircraft-public-airspace-976094
https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/nasas-remotely-piloted-ikhana-aircraft-flies-solo-through-us-public-airspace-5215761/