You either have the "cheap" Israeli type which has the most tactical operational use with a VHF link or you go the full UAV which has the satcom link and is about the same price as a cheap fighter. (Mind you, you can pick up a cheap new fighter these days for about $5m. I was thinking of the full capable type $20m+) The comms link is always the problem and where you want to send the signal in real time. Complex systems are okay, but they need a complex support network, complex budget (=large) and can fall down quickly. You still can't beat the guy on the ground
My comment was more on the surveillance roll of the DA42. Great toy
They seem to be pushing them as cheap solutions for those countries not allowed to buy high tech solutions.............................
Maybe they just want to find out what it is like ...........
