The Future
 

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.

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

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.

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!!!

Pics...
http://sitelife.aviationweek.com/ver...7a26.Large.jpg
http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/frhe...2/FR0702f1.JPG

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...........

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

http://www.popularmechanics.com/tech...litary/4347306

Anyone wondering why there's the focus on drones? Maybe it because of this
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/news...aser-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