Predator C "Avenger"

[DaveKDEN]

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/AVENGER041709.xml&headline=Predator C Avenger Makes First Flights&channel=defense

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/photos/gallerypage.jsp?plckGalleryID=b1746a72-fce6-489c-9afe-50a1413a668b

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&newspaperUserId=27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3ab1635a8b-9465-4a2b-8e1f-d643524d68b0&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

The beginning of the future of strike fighters perhaps? I can only be skeptical of the ability of any unmanned design to be able to replace manned fighters in the near future. However, give it another 5 - 10 years and I'm not so skeptical.

On a scary note, it makes me think of sci-fi movies like the "Terminator" series. Sci-fi writers seem to have an uncanny ability to predict the future years in advance of practical science. From H.G. Wells to Gene Roddenberry to Isaac Asimov, they've all written about subject matter that is coming true on a daily basis.

Dave


Edit; Can't get the first link to work, try the AvWeek homepage here for the link to the story;

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/

[cheezyflier]

http://movies.about.com/library/graphics/stealthpubl.jpg

[GT182]

But Cheezy.... that one bites. ;)

[cheezyflier]

but it had 2 things goin for it.

1) it was in a movie

2) it was in a movie with jessica beil

[Matt Wynn]

UAV's are gonna lack 1 thing in combat.... instinct, all well and good not risking a pilot but getting that gut feeling that the S*** is about to hit the fan is gonna be lacking...

[Panther_99FS]

UAV's are gonna lack 1 thing in combat.... instinct, all well and good not risking a pilot but getting that gut feeling that the S*** is about to hit the fan is gonna be lacking...

Counter point...

UAV's have instinct & a pilot....It's just that the pilot isn't in the UAV :)

[Matt Wynn]

but you don't know for certain as with a pilot in the airframe, combat is a bit more lively as each pilot is trying to outwit his opponent, mind you i was a whizz on ace combat, where do i sign to play with the Pred :jump:, in fact i'd better stick with my parachute, the C/O would go nuts

[Panther_99FS]

but you don't know for certain as with a pilot in the airframe, combat is a bit more lively as each pilot is trying to outwit his opponent,

Counterpoint...
2 pilots in UAVs would also be trying to outwit each other :)

[Wing_Z]

Even real pilots could have a play.
Picture this:
A pair of F-22's each with a dozen of these in echelon, all networked and slaved to the airborne radar and control systems.
They could shoot down someone's air force with one hand, while knocking out the ground defences with the other...all the while murmering coolly: UCAV9 - take out the lead frigate...UCAV 10 - tanks 1 and 3...

[Piglet]

murmering coolly: UCAV9 - take out the lead frigate...UCAV 10 - tanks 1 and 3...
And a guy on the ground murmuring cooly: SAM 1 fire... SAM 2 fire...
UCAV 23, intercept UCAV9... UCAV 36, get my dry cleaning....

[Matt Wynn]

"UCAV 50, call me a taxi we're in for a world of hurt, UCAV 51 bring the first aid box on your way out"