Images like this one really get my attention because they bring the theory of UAVs to carrier-based life. But, first things first. Always awesome Amy Butler reports today at Aviation Week that the U.S. Navy is finally accepting proposals for stealthy unmanned combat aerial system (UCAS) vehicles that can demonstrate a capability to operate from carriers. According to Amy’s report “Boeing and Northrop Grumman have been dusting off their earlier X-45 and X-47 designs for the Navy’s recent request for proposals (RFP) on the UCAS-D (demonstrator) program. The RFP involves a specific set of requirements for carrier operations, including catapult launch, arrested landing and deck handling.”
So we take another step toward the day when a Hornet pilot looks over from where he’s parked under the island and sees an unmanned vehicle taxi past on its way to the cat.
And so too closer is the day when a Hornet pilot gets cut out of the spin pattern by an unmanned vehicle. And, while we’re on the subject, who will the air boss yell at over the radio when an unmanned vehicle pulls power in the wires?
– Ward
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Any news on the unmanned version of F-35?
The proposal is all show. No money in the POM for several years (follow the money). It gives the Navy press that they really want UAVs on their flight decks (
I would think loss rate alone will keep naval aviation manned…the Air Force loses UAV’s all the time and they don’t have to deal with the changing conditions found at sea…I just think this is another of Rummy and friends wet dreams about RMA. I guess the people over at PNAC are going to have to rethink their Military Revolution. (God knows they screwed their blueprint for the middle east to high hell)
I think that the drone project will have problems if it insists on landing on the flattop — backwards. Bad photoshop.
It’s not landing, Jerome. It’s taxiing to Cat 3 or 4.
Being in the military is a very rewarding decision that I have made. Honestly, I think unmanned stealth UAV’s think is very possible. By 2020, the Airforce, Navy will have the necessary technology for more reliable stealth UAVs. So I expect this to be a strong possibly of them able to land on aircraft carriers.