Maybe a UCAV operator could enlighten me. I can see how a well found capability, operating from a carrier would work. But if their lordships gave a "Right, we're jumping forward, how long until we're all in Al Udeid ready to fight?" I would guess that the F-35 could be off the deck in an hour and en route...how long would a drone-det (don't call them drones...err - no I shall) take to get off the boat with operator consoles etc..
..or is the answer that the drones could be controlled from somewhere(Waddington?) and the flying bit of the drone system could be anywhere worldwide?
PS They're drones. And Courtney's right. They make sense, they can stay up for hours, they persist, the operator can have a coffee or nip to the head. But we all deep down know it ain't right!
