PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Unmanned drones likely to take over Nimrod spy duties
Old 17th Dec 2012, 15:01
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Phoney Tony
 
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The problem with all RPAS and UAS is their reliance on data links back to a ground station. It would be extremely easy to deny such systems the link back to the analyst/ operator. True some systems could be made autonomous but I suspect any kinetic effect would need a man in the loop. Automatic target detection and classification has been the holy grail of several ISTAR capabilities for over 30 years that I am aware of. These 2 requirements alone drive a requirement for manned vehicles.
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