Secret Plane captured on film
Discussion
Looks like the US are testing their new toys in Theatre.
Looks like Boeing X-45 to me.
Full story here - http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2009-12/a...
Looks like Boeing X-45 to me.
Full story here - http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2009-12/a...
king.Yeah, there have been some blog posts about that recently.
It is suggested that this surveillance system is operated on behalf of a non-mil agency by the prime contractor.
Yes, some CESM has been v naughty.
ETA:
I hear that there was an ad hoc air defence system when we went in, and I get the feeling that no-ones all that sure that its all gone. Besides, terry is always trying to get SAM's and it has been suggested that modern shoulder launched missiles have been used effectively against helicopters.
And, in general, I am pretty sure it isn't the X-45 or any other Boeing product. The Polecat is twin engined. Could be a scaled derivation I suppose. Those wings have the look of the old Horten about them
It is suggested that this surveillance system is operated on behalf of a non-mil agency by the prime contractor.
Yes, some CESM has been v naughty.
ETA:
I hear that there was an ad hoc air defence system when we went in, and I get the feeling that no-ones all that sure that its all gone. Besides, terry is always trying to get SAM's and it has been suggested that modern shoulder launched missiles have been used effectively against helicopters.
And, in general, I am pretty sure it isn't the X-45 or any other Boeing product. The Polecat is twin engined. Could be a scaled derivation I suppose. Those wings have the look of the old Horten about them
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 3rd December 09:26
I used to think these UAVs were smallish aircraft.
This X-45c is quite big isn't it?
What's the advantage? cheaper, longer range, no need for pilots?
Disadvantages- Not autonomous? (yet) Easy to shoot down if you can 'see' it?
This X-45c is quite big isn't it?
article said:
While the X-45A was undergoing testing, work began on an advanced version, the X-45C. It would be a larger aircraft with a different body layout, about 39 feet long with a 49-foot wingspan. The same kind of modified F404 engine that powered the F-117 Nighthawk will power the X-45C. It was expected to cruise at 0.85 Mach at up to 40,000 feet, with a mission radius of about 1,300 nautical miles. Despite being only a few feet thick, its maximum payload will be 4,500 pounds and it will carry 8 250 lb. Small Diameter Bombs, or GPS-guided JDAMs and other ordnance, using 2 internal weapons bays.
So are these UAVs being developed as bomber replacements now? What's the advantage? cheaper, longer range, no need for pilots?
Disadvantages- Not autonomous? (yet) Easy to shoot down if you can 'see' it?
el stovey said:
I used to think these UAVs were smallish aircraft.
This X-45c is quite big isn't it?
What's the advantage? cheaper, longer range, no need for pilots?
Disadvantages- Not autonomous? (yet) Easy to shoot down if you can 'see' it?
One of the biggest benefits is political. If you shoot one down you don't have a hostage to parade around on global TV. There is also a considerable cost saving. One of the biggest costs of operating manned aircraft is the pilot because you have to train them, pay, clothe, feed, and provide a pension, for each one. This X-45c is quite big isn't it?
article said:
While the X-45A was undergoing testing, work began on an advanced version, the X-45C. It would be a larger aircraft with a different body layout, about 39 feet long with a 49-foot wingspan. The same kind of modified F404 engine that powered the F-117 Nighthawk will power the X-45C. It was expected to cruise at 0.85 Mach at up to 40,000 feet, with a mission radius of about 1,300 nautical miles. Despite being only a few feet thick, its maximum payload will be 4,500 pounds and it will carry 8 250 lb. Small Diameter Bombs, or GPS-guided JDAMs and other ordnance, using 2 internal weapons bays.
So are these UAVs being developed as bomber replacements now? What's the advantage? cheaper, longer range, no need for pilots?
Disadvantages- Not autonomous? (yet) Easy to shoot down if you can 'see' it?
Buggles said:
Wait till the CIA do a search of Kandahar, for the knobsack frenchy that took the photo of the TS new UAV!
You are assuming the CIA/Other didn't deliberately leak a photo for some reason that's unexplained and unavailable to us.Although it seems more likely someone took a photo they shouldn't and published it.
Soz, on my mobile so its all a bit of a pain...it went by that name in the blogospere, should be fairly easy to come across. Will get back with a link later on.
Apparantly about the size of a tutor so puts all suggestions of known aircraft with a similar configuration out of the picture.
Apparantly about the size of a tutor so puts all suggestions of known aircraft with a similar configuration out of the picture.
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