U.S. Navy’s X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Completes Successful First Flight with Eaton Onboard

IRVINE, California … On Friday, Feb. 4, Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) and the U.S. Navy announced the successful first flight of the X-47B, the first carrier-capable unmanned aircraft developed under the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation’s Aerospace Group is a key system supplier to Northrop Grumman, the Navy’s UCAS-D prime contractor.

Eaton contributions include the X-47B fuel system, engine-driven hydraulic pump, reservoir, selector valve, hoses, Rynglok™ tube-fitting technology, swivels, flanges, couplings and straps.

“We are proud to be a part of this exciting moment in aviation history with the first flight of the X-47B,” said Bradley J. Morton, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “Eaton is proud to be a part of the Northrop Grumman team on this advanced technology demonstrator. My congratulations go out to the Northrop Grumman and Eaton team members who were an integral part of this development.”

The flight test lasted approximately 29 minutes and was conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

In the aerospace industry, Eaton is a leading supplier of hydraulic, electro-hydraulic pump and generator products and integrated systems; engine and airframe fuel pumps; electric motors; aircraft door actuation, flight and flow controls; fluid, fuel and air delivery products and systems; nose wheel steering systems; integrated control systems; cockpit controls and displays; power and load management systems; pressure sensors, seals, and fluid health monitoring products and systems. Eaton serves commercial and military aviation, aerospace, military weapons, marine and off-road markets worldwide.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.