Unmanned VI.

This is coolbert:

We now enter the era of the UCAV. Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle.

The UAV, but designed now specifically for a COMBAT role.

Predator type UAV already have been armed with Hellfire missile and laser designator. ARE being used in Afghanistan and Yemen to attack the villains. The UAV expediently armed for combat mission. In this case, used by the CIA. The UAV being taken one step beyond the reconnaissance [recon] and surveillance role. NOW a killing machine also.

UCAV are the latest incarnation and evolutionary step of the UAV. Again, not just intended for recon and surveillance. This variety of UAV from the start designed as a combat vehicle.

NOT just on the drawing board. Already have been flown. To be deployed in 2008?

Initially to fulfill the role of bomber aircraft. Deliver ordnance on the target. Penetrate enemy airspace and drop bombs or fire missiles on the target. The same role as would be had for say a F-16 or a F-18, but in this case, without a pilot at the controls.

SIZE DOES NOT MATTER WITH THE UCAV!! A MUCH SMALLER VEHICLE WITH AGAIN MUCH SMALLER PROFILE AND SIGNATURE CAN PERFORM THE SAME MISSION AS A F-16 OR F-18!!??



Can be flown remotely. Can even venture forth on missions autonomously?

NOT yet at the stage of a fighter aircraft engaging in aerial combat, dog-fight style. That is for the future. But as a bomber putting “stuff” on the target. Can be done and is being done, right now. [Hellfire missiles from a Predator at any rate!!]

Being developed by a whole host of nations. THE WEAPON OF THE FUTURE!!?? THE FUTURE IS NOW??!!

Nations to include:

* United States.

X-45.

X-47.

J-UCAS.

* France.

* Israel.

* South Africa.

* Sweden.

* Italy.

* China?

* Russia?

UCAV seem to be of the flying wing variety. Greatly resemble the B-2 bomber, but smaller in size. Novel designs that stress aerodynamic efficiency. Can fly high, efficiently using fuel, tremendous endurance, stealthy. Formidable aerial vehicles that will pose tremendous difficulties for conventional anti-aircraft systems. AND, IN THE COMBAT ROLE, NOT POSING A RISK TO PILOT OR CREW!!



Please note that NOT ALL UCAV follow the flying wing design. See these examples:

* Sweden [in national colors.]



* Italy.



* Israel.



UCAV should be thought of as comprising a SYSTEM.



* The UCAV and it's ordnance.

* Mission control.

* Ground support. [includes a transport to ferry the UCAV to the mission departure site.]

All this of course thanks to Moore’s Law in action.

If, indeed, the UCAV proves to be successful, the F-35 might well be the last fighter-bomber purchased by the United States Air Force [USAF]. The wave of the future is the UCAV!!??

[the USAF intends to buy 2500 of the F-35 and operate same until the year 2050.]

As for aerial dog-fight combat, well, that is not yet in the cards. In the words of one pilot, “UCAV are at the thinking level of a cat, as compared to a human!!”

Well, for the time being!!

coolbert.