Boeing UAV May Deliver Cargo For Marines

[CrimsonEclipse]

CAN UAV's replace piloted planes. Absolutely.
WILL it happen. Absolutely.

The tricky part is when and in what capacity. It is difficult to predict what technological or cost barrier would be broken by any number of startups or an existing tech to be implemented in a novel fashion.

The A160 Humingbird would be a PERFECT news helo that can stay on station for 20 hr instead of 1-2 hr with the present equipment. Just one standoff with the Feds will demonstrate this.

Cargo is the obvious place to try out a new system. There is already pilot optional Caravans in Iraq and more than one company is researching unmanned heavy cargo craft and conversions (B747 C-5) for trans-pacific routes.

A smart path for any UAV company would be to perfect the technologies with the military first.

 

[freightdawg]

Don Newman, director of unmanned systems for Raytheon Co. in Tucson, predicts cargo companies such as UPS and FedEx eventually will use unmanned aircraft.
"Think of the money they could save, if they didn't have to have pilots flying their planes," he said.

http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2008/05/18/20080518biz-uav0518.html

One day soon, delivery companies such as UPS or FedEx could employ unmanned robotic flyers to deliver priority mail. Large-scale farming could be revolutionized by UAVs, which would monitor crop areas and tell farmers when to harvest. UAVs equipped with aerial cameras could also be used for moviemaking, television news and sports reporting.

QUOTE]

Right, just after I get my garage modified 'cause I won't need a car what with the 'flying machine' in each and every garage.

 

[skyslug]

they never will replace all piloted planes. Some, sure but not all and NOT with passengers. I even highly doubt they will replace cargo planes.

 

[john cocktosen]

I think UAV Technology has its place in a war enviroment. But I don't think they will ever fly passengers or integrate into the US Airspace system.

 

[Beaver79]

I don't dispute that at all. It will definitely happen some day. It is just MHO that it will won't become a reality in the next 30-40 years.

The military has plans for unmanned airlift by 2030....It is definitely in the realm of possibility.

 

[Whale Rider]

UAV's will replace living breathing pilots (In Passenger Applications) when Skynet goes online at 14:58 EST July 4th 2092........that's when the war with machines will begin! :laugh:

 

[john cocktosen]

UAV's will replace living breathing pilots (In Passenger Applications) when Skynet goes online at 14:58 EST July 4th 2092........that's when the war with machines will begin! :laugh:

It can't be reasoned with, It can't be bargained with, It will not stop.....until you are dead.

 

[DOVPILOT]

you have been watching too many Star Trek movies.

Damnit Jim I'm just a doctor!!!!!:nuts:

 

[ableone]

The UAV field is seeing the most growth and the most money thrown at R&D in military aviation. These systems will probably be dramatically more capable in just five years.

I think there is a definite possibility we will see manned civil systems in our lifetimes.

Don't encourage your six year old to fly for a living, unless he/she really likes RC aircraft.

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

It can't be reasoned with, It can't be bargained with, It will not stop.....until you are dead.

I'll take it down with phased plasma rifle (in the 40 watt range).

(just what you see pal)

 

[RockyMnt1]

Look at the big picture. Think long range space flight......

 

[john cocktosen]

I'll take it down with phased plasma rifle (in the 40 watt range).

(just what you see pal)

12 Ga autoloader with collapse-able stock..........


(Hey you can't do that!!)

 

[DC8CRIVER]

If the world is ready or nearly ready for unmanned cargo systems, why haven't we seen unmanned cargo ships, yet? If we can't trust our technologists to automate container ships, what business do we have creating unmanned aircraft for Gods sake?

I don't think we'll see any sort of practical unmanned aircraft for many, many years. We have, in part, Sully to thank for that.

8

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

12 Ga autoloader with collapse-able stock..........


(Hey you can't do that!!)

WRONG!! (*BLAM!*)

(never gets old)