The U.S. Navy's Push For Unmanned Combat Aircraft Is Facing Resistance

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) — Personnel from the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (N-UCAS) program team and industry partner Northrop Grumman Corporation are underway with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to test the integration of existing ship systems with new systems that will support the X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D). AviationNews.eu

Navy’s Unmanned Combat Aircraft Flying Under Cloud of Uncertainty -- National Defense

The Navy expects to invest a growing share of its aviation research dollars in unmanned aircraft as it seeks to extend the reach and endurance of its carrier-based air wings.

The science behind unpiloted flying is well understood by now, after years of progressively more frequent deployments of drones by the U.S. military. Scientists have perfected technologies such as autonomous flying — which does not require a controller on the ground — and in-flight refueling of unmanned aircraft. They are now finding that the technology, although mature, is running up against policies that could hinder its progress. Rules that restrict independent UAV flying, experts contend, are expected to slow the expansion of unmanned aircraft.

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Update: Rushing The MQ-47B -- Strategy Page

My Comment: The U.S. Air Force is facing the same "cloud of uncertainty".