Taranis
Bless my Trousers! Who writes these articles?
Errrrrrr....'ave they read about the USAF's Operational Stealth UAV that is already engaged in combat operations?
Light Airplane....will tote a huge load of killer bang bang now won't it?
God of Thunder.....very aptly named as it is all chin music about a huge waste of Taxpayers money!
Carry the war to another Continent....by Gawd the the Frogs best watch out now!
"Virtually undetectable".....is that in a "virtual world" or the Real World?
Can one say "Hand Job!"
LONDON (AFP) – An unmanned jet capable of striking long-range targets has been dubbed the "combat aircraft of the future" by the Ministry of Defence.
The Taranis -- named after the Celtic god of thunder -- was unveiled at a ceremony at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, on Monday.
The £142.5 million prototype is the size of a light aircraft and has been equipped with stealth technology to make it virtually undetectable.
In a press release, the MoD described the Taranis as "a prototype unmanned combat aircraft of the future."
It is built to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions while its crew stays safely on the ground and can control the aircraft from anywhere in the world.
The unmanned fighter jet can also carry bombs and missiles and, if the trials prove successful, the MoD said it should "ultimately be capable of striking targets at long range, even in another continent."
The current generation of propeller-driven drones -- such as the Predator and Reaper -- are capable of carrying missiles, but these unmanned planes can only be used in areas where the military has air dominance, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
The first flight trials are due to start next year.
"Taranis is a truly trailblazing project," said Minister for International Security Strategy Gerald Howarth.
"The first of its kind in the UK, it reflects the best of our nation's advanced design and technology skills and is a leading programme on the global stage."The Taranis was created by the MOD in partnership with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ and GE Aviation.
"Taranis has been three-and-a-half years in the making and is the product of more than a million man-hours," said Nigel Whitehead, group managing director of BAE Systems' Programmes and Support business.
"It represents a significant step forward in this country's fast-jet capability.
"This technology is key to sustaining a strong industrial base and to maintain the UK's leading position as a centre for engineering excellence and innovation."
The Taranis -- named after the Celtic god of thunder -- was unveiled at a ceremony at BAE Systems in Warton, Lancashire, on Monday.
The £142.5 million prototype is the size of a light aircraft and has been equipped with stealth technology to make it virtually undetectable.
In a press release, the MoD described the Taranis as "a prototype unmanned combat aircraft of the future."
It is built to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions while its crew stays safely on the ground and can control the aircraft from anywhere in the world.
The unmanned fighter jet can also carry bombs and missiles and, if the trials prove successful, the MoD said it should "ultimately be capable of striking targets at long range, even in another continent."
The current generation of propeller-driven drones -- such as the Predator and Reaper -- are capable of carrying missiles, but these unmanned planes can only be used in areas where the military has air dominance, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
The first flight trials are due to start next year.
"Taranis is a truly trailblazing project," said Minister for International Security Strategy Gerald Howarth.
"The first of its kind in the UK, it reflects the best of our nation's advanced design and technology skills and is a leading programme on the global stage."The Taranis was created by the MOD in partnership with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ and GE Aviation.
"Taranis has been three-and-a-half years in the making and is the product of more than a million man-hours," said Nigel Whitehead, group managing director of BAE Systems' Programmes and Support business.
"It represents a significant step forward in this country's fast-jet capability.
"This technology is key to sustaining a strong industrial base and to maintain the UK's leading position as a centre for engineering excellence and innovation."
Errrrrrr....'ave they read about the USAF's Operational Stealth UAV that is already engaged in combat operations?
Light Airplane....will tote a huge load of killer bang bang now won't it?
God of Thunder.....very aptly named as it is all chin music about a huge waste of Taxpayers money!
Carry the war to another Continent....by Gawd the the Frogs best watch out now!
"Virtually undetectable".....is that in a "virtual world" or the Real World?
Can one say "Hand Job!"
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Roll-out
Can anyone tell me what was the underlying point of this roll-out, other than more publicity, and undoubtedly some very sexy views of this sleek beast.
I suppose I'm saying that BAE have said little more than was already available about the aircraft, but the visual impact and positive media coverage will be useful, but to what ends?
Presumably everyone in the UK who needs to know about already knows, and it's not as though BAE will be able export the plane or its technology abroad?
I suppose I'm saying that BAE have said little more than was already available about the aircraft, but the visual impact and positive media coverage will be useful, but to what ends?
Presumably everyone in the UK who needs to know about already knows, and it's not as though BAE will be able export the plane or its technology abroad?
Purveyor of Egg Liqueur to Lucifer
Only working on the project for the last 4 years!
What was that similar looking thing in the hangar at Machrihanish mid 90's?
What was that similar looking thing in the hangar at Machrihanish mid 90's?
