Fuel-Filled Wings, Ability To Swarm: Pentagon Offers Glimpse At Future Of Drone Fleet -- Washington Times
The Pentagon is laying out a road map for the future of its drone fleet, which includes unmanned planes with fuel-filled wings that can fly more sophisticated weapons systems to more isolated hot spots and smaller drones capable of operating in unison to swarm an enemy.
A strategic document known as the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Vector takes a 25-year look from 2013 to 2038. The 101-page wish list of sorts, not bound by budget restrictions, offers insight into where the Air Force wants to expand technologies.
Some of the developments could be realized within the next several months. Contractors expect to test a reconfigured medium-altitude MQ-9 Reaper drone — a staple of the Pentagon’s intelligence and surveillance fleet — in which fuel compartments are housed in the wings, extending flight time from 27 hours to 42 hours. That means the unmanned aircraft can fly over countries where a minimal U.S. military presence makes landing and refueling difficult.
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Update #1: Future outlook released for remotely piloted aircraft -- U.S. Air Force
Update #2: Air Force: Pilots will fly by remote on many future missions -- Defense Systems
WNU Editor: The report is here.
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