The Future

[dkwookie]

Some interesting developments this week on the future tech side. The RAF unveiled a new UCAV which appears to have a much more flexible operational role and range to the Raptor, possibly even intercontinental. It looks strangely similar to the UCAV in the film Stealth. Flight tests next year so watch this space.
Also announced this week is a kevlar coated unmanned surveilance airship. Able to stay aloft for 3 weeks and capable of withstaning small arms fire.

I find this stuff fascinating. Particularly interested to see what the new UCAV is capable of. Both machines require a remote operator but I wonder how long until there is some AI controled machines developed.

[Shadowcorp]

the whole drone thing is really starting to take off, how long before they start recruiting from videogames for pilots?

Or before they can strap a railgun onto one lol that would be a battleship size drone

[dkwookie]

It opens RAF careers for taller people that's for certain. I tried to join when I was young but was told I was too tall for piloting. I would have lost my legs during an eject!

[Hrok81]

It opens RAF careers for taller people that's for certain. I tried to join when I was young but was told I was too tall for piloting. I would have lost my legs during an eject!

Same here, although my main problem was the lack of relatives (or relative's friends) in the air force. That's how recruiting in Italy works lol.

[scottyvt4]

the whole drone thing is really starting to take off, how long before they start recruiting from videogames for pilots?

Or before they can strap a railgun onto one lol that would be a battleship size drone


lol ........ there is a few would mange on here to do a job like that easily, even in a Drone La5 you kick the oppositions ass shadow :cool:



i seen an article on this with its new liqid kevlar stuff pretty neat!!!

[mattd27]

Pics...
http://sitelife.aviationweek.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/8/12/28a9da27-7450-4cda-8c23-f6b69ac67a26.Large.jpg
http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/frheft/FRHeft07/FRH0702/FR0702f1.JPG

[Balderz002]

I wouldnt bet on seeing that any time in the near/medium future. With the cutbacks, and the fact that everything is late and overbudget with the UK Armed Forces...........

[Lahatiel]

Popular mechanics did an article on some of the "up and coming" prototype UAV/drones a couple of months ago.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/aviation/military/4347306

[Gilly]

Anyone wondering why there's the focus on drones? Maybe it because of this
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newsvideo/7898722/Drone-shot-down-by-laser-beam.html

[dkwookie]

Anyone wondering why there's the focus on drones? Maybe it because of this
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newsvideo/7898722/Drone-shot-down-by-laser-beam.html

That's just an evil weapon. It will be a sad day for aviation when that goes into operational use. Imagine being the first pilot to get shot down by that. It will be like being Porkins in Star Wars

edit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFPI54fOWoo

[Gilly]

I thought immediately of 'Ace Combat- The Belkan War' with the ADFX-02.
Imagine having an aircraft equipped with this!- like a lightsabre scything the sky!

[dkwookie]

Some news on the UAV scene. Iran have unveiled an unmanned bomber. Their president dubbed it "A messenger of Honor and human generosity"

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/23/world/la-fg-0823-iran-drone-20100823

Surely the strangest description of a combat aircraft in history

Also it appears an unmanned helicopter decided to violate Washington airspace
http://www.navytimes.com/mobile/index.php?storyUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.navytimes.com% 2Fnews%2F2010%2F08%2Fnavy-uav-enters-dc-082510%2F

[bobbysocks]

the whole drone thing is really starting to take off, how long before they start recruiting from videogames for pilots?

been done before.... :grin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7NaxBxFWSo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFOHy791kRE&feature=related

[dkwookie]

Nice one Bobby, classic film that. There is a fan made pc version of the arcade game Alex plays in the film. I was desperate to play that arcade game back when the film came out. It's actually pretty fun to play it these days.

I don't hold with remakes but this film is crying out for one

[bobbysocks]

i think so too. with the CGA and the popularity of game systems...IF done right..would be awesome and fun.

[dkwookie]

Didn't want to start a new thread on this so banging it in here.

Did anyone see the news about defence cut proposal that the UK and France should share aircraft carriers?!

http://en.mercopress.com/2010/08/31/uk-press-reports-britain-and-france-could-share-aircraft-carrier-capability

This is ridiculous. What happens if we go to war against each other, paint a line down the flight deck and have a tug of war?

[JOED70]

Dont worry about that if War was to break out the French crew would imediatly surender and pack their cheese wheels and head for home .

[Lexandro]

The MoD has already ruled out carrier sharing, as its a non-starter. They have agreed on principle to share cargo duties with both countries A400M fleets of transport aircraft.