US Navy tests unmanned robot stealth bomber

[keg in kc]

Did nobody in the defense industry watch The Terminator...

(There's pics and video if you follow the link.)

Rise of the machines: Maiden flight of US Navy bat-winged robot stealth bomber that has no need for human pilot

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 11:48 AM on 7th February 2011

Like something from a science fiction film, the angular X-47B steadily taxis onto the runway ready for its maiden test flight.

Launching itself into the California sky these pictures show the first of a new breed of unmanned drones, capable of flying themselves undetected to attack targets thousands of miles away.

The new stealth plane marks a radical departure for unmanned aircraft, which up until now required a ground based human pilot to guide them on missions.

Dispensing with the need for human intervention, the X-47B can carry out pre-programmed missions autonomously - with a computer handling everything from take off, landing and even mid-air refuelling.

It is also the first drone said to be capable of launching from and landing on a sea borne aircraft carrier.

Defence firm Northrop Grumman, who were awarded the the $636 million (£400 million) US Navy contract to build the plane in August 2007, are expected to start carrier trials for the drone in 2013 - with no word yet on when it might make it into the field.

Slightly smaller than the B2 stealth bomber, the X-47B carries laser-guided bombs and can fly faster than 500 miles per hour at 40,000 feet.

Friday's 29-minute test flight is just the start of over 50 such tests at Edwards Air Force base this year.

The first aircraft will complete its initial testing in late 2011, with a second aircraft due to begin testing shortly thereafter.

Speaking about the test flight, Navy Rear Admiral Bill Shannon said: 'We are breaking new ground by developing the first unmanned jet aircraft to take off and land aboard a flight deck.'

'This demonstration program is intended to reduce risk for potential future unmanned systems operating in and around aircraft carriers.'

['Hamas' Jenkins]

"All stealth bombuhz are upgraded wit' Cydbuhdyne computers. Afterwards, they fly with a perfect operational recuhd."

"The Skynet Funding Bill is passed."

[Pants]

Probably driven by GPS-set waypoints, not like it's going to be making any decisions.

[bowener]

Originally Posted by Pants

Probably driven by GPS-set waypoints, not like it's going to be making any decisions.

...yet.

[kcfanXIII]

Originally Posted by Pants

Probably driven by GPS-set waypoints, not like it's going to be making any decisions.

after a human error causes drone to bomb wrong coordinates, a targeting failsafe controlled by a computer AI is installed. Skynet becomes self aware.

Have you never seen this movie? The machines always win.

[Pants]

Originally Posted by kcfanXIII

after a human error causes drone to bomb wrong coordinates, a targeting failsafe controlled by a computer AI is installed. Skynet becomes self aware.

Have you never seen this movie? The machines always win.

[Demonpenz]

time to go to the shasta like Don Cheedle black guy with the chick from Beauty and the beast tv show!

[Fish]

All that's left is to connect it to the network......

http://www.popsci.com/technology/art...rn-one-another

[threebag02]

Skymall is pissed

[Tribal Warfare]

called it in the UFO thread

[crispystl420]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

"All stealth bombuhz are upgraded wit' Cydbuhdyne computers. Afterwards, they fly with a perfect operational recuhd."

"The Skynet Funding Bill is passed."

Lmao

[listopencil]

"...faster than 500 miles per hour at 40,000 feet."


That is hilarious.

[notorious]

That is a badass looking plane.