Sunday, January 8, 2012

Here Comes The Cargo Drones

Where no drone has gone before: The military is testing K-MAX drones, which can deliver freight to remote areas.

Military Reveals Revolutionary Pilotless Cargo Drone That Can Deliver Supplies To Territories Plagued By Roadside Bombs -- Daily Mail

* Pilotless K-MAX helicopter first unveiled in 2008
* Can carry a maximum payload of 6,855 pounds and costs $1,100 per hour to operate

The U.S. military is testing a revolutionary new drone for its arsenal, a pilotless helicopter intended to fly cargo missions to remote outposts where frequent roadside bombs threaten access by road convoys.

Surveillance drones for monitoring enemy activity and armed versions for launching airstrikes have become a trademark of America's wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East.

But this is the first time a chopper version designed for transport has been used operationally.

Read more ....

Update #1: Unmanned Helicopter Conducts Resupply of Afghan Forward Operating Bases: Operators Hope to Cut Down on IED Fatalities -- Ottawa Citizen
Update #2: Cargo Drone Makes Debut in Afghanistan -- FOX News

My Comment: Cool

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