I guess this is just one of those things that as i have no direct experience of UAV ops, the lack of true understanding is what's clouding my perception of the attributes that these systems can bring to the party.
But there is one thing from
FFP's post that makes me think a little (not good, the wife tells me!), the time delay for instance on a very distant mission.
Going with the 1-ish sec delay (assume one way, 2 - 2.5 sec total?), if a rapid reaction to threat is required, then could that delay mean that unless there is a programmed-in automatic reaction from the system that could be taken without operator authorisation, the UAV loses out to manned A/C for a TIC situation? (Manoeuvring into position for release of ordnance times assumed similar for both platforms.)
Not sniping or anything, just wanting to gain a little knowledge, mates.
