New drone managed from Wright-Patt tested

An unmanned aerial vehicle tested by the Air Force could mean longer ranges and heavier payloads which could have uses in both civilian and military roles, researchers say.

The X-56A Multi-Utility Technology Testbed, an Air Force Research Laboratory program managed at Wright-Patterson, launched last month on a test flight for the first time at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., officials said Monday.

The Air Force is working in tandem with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin on the $18 million research effort.

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