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Agreesyscom3 said:The technology exists right now to do it. Its a proven and indisuputable fact that unmanned aircraft can far exceed the gee tolerances of humans. Plus just designing in the cockpit into an aircraft add's lots of weight and doesnt add much to the aerodynamics.
Agree to a point - that's why you're seeing less in numbers and more in technologysyscom3 said:The one thing that will be the end of manned fighters and attack aircraft is the huge cost of building them and then training and keeping proficient the pilot.
Possibly, but consider evasive actions by the opponent, countermeasures, etc.syscom3 said:I bet right now, we could equip a predator to carry a Phoenix missle, have it loiter far above the battlefield and just wait untill an enemy plane is sighted and "let her rip".
True but the lessons learned still apply today and are taught at places like the USAF War Colleges. We though the NVAF was hopelessly obsolete and through a combination of outdated technology (Mig-17s) and contemporary technology (SA-2s) we almost had out butts handed to us. The same will happen if we rely too much on autonomous technology. I support the induction of UAVs but having worked on (and flown) QM-107E drones and QF-4s I see the UAV as a supplement to the manned fighter.syscom3 said:The Vietnam airwar ended 33 years ago. That technology is ancient. Just like comparing the aircraft of 1945 with that of the F16. In the next 33 years, we will be shaking our heads in amazement in what will be in avaiation.
Read about was was planned in 1976. We should be living on Mars right now....syscom3 said:Thats where the unstoppable march of technology will redefine the aerial battlefield. I dont think you can honestly compare the simpleton drones of today with what they could do with high performance computers, software and communication of a couple of decades from now.
Agree...syscom3 said:Manned aircaft will always be with us........... but the dangerous missions will be done by "smart" drones and UAV's
It's done very well however if there were an inkling of any formidable AA or fighters available they'd be toast - we've been sending UAVs over China for years, every so often they knock down one. While better the UAV than a manned aircraft the point is in today's terms there is a vulnerability factor especially if you're gathering intelligence.syscom3 said:Actually, UAV's are perfect for third world applications.
Look at the success were having with the "Predator" loitering high over the battle field for hours and hours at a time.
Agree thats around the corner...syscom3 said:Imagine a UAV a couple of decades from now orbiting far out of sight and unseen from the ground, loaded with "brilliant" PGM's that would be dropped as requested from troops on the ground or by a PFC sitting behind a console in a non descript building anywhere in the world.
The SAM mission would be the most advantageous - no more "Wild Weasel" missions required.....syscom3 said:That I agree with. I think the UAV's and killer drones will take out any AAA and SAM's before the troops are flown in.