UAVs are the future, why would the Airforce bail?
2007-01-25 02:47:55 · 3 answers · asked by keiichi 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
crazyhorse - That is extremely incorrect. Unmanned fighters cost 1/3 of a normal fighter and the X-45
had already performed mock battle simulations and real time battle flights with live ordnance when the project was scrubbed which makes no sense.
2007-01-25 03:15:14 · update #1
M1A1 - you are also incorrect.
The Air Force’s new unmanned combat aerial vehicle—the Boeing X-45—is expected to take over suppression of enemy air defenses and electronic attack missions. - Gen. Hal M. Hornburg, commander of Air Combat Command
2007-01-25 03:41:43 · update #2
When budget is a limited resource, you keep the projects which are going to yield the best return the fastest. Getting the X-45 operational in 25 years is currently not as important as getting the F-22 and FA-35 operation in the next few years.
Besides, current UAV platforms can be upgraded at a cheaper cost for a more immediate benefit to our fielded troops.
2007-01-25 04:31:25 · answer #1 · answered by promethius9594 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The X-45 was developed as a research aircraft only. It was never intended for use in combat.
The design was intended to test the capabilities of the technology.
2007-01-25 11:22:51 · answer #2 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably too expensive, and the technology is not where it needs to be in order for it to be effective on the battlefield.
2007-01-25 11:08:54 · answer #3 · answered by crazyhorse19682003 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋