Sky News - Rise Of The Machine: Who Needs Pilots?
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dodgysootie - you might just be surprised. BAE has already cut 'first metal' on Taranis after a development time of just a few months. It has been flying autonomous UAVs in both Scotand and Australia for some time and is among the first worldwide to do this.
The RAF has also been showing interest in HERTI a prop powered UAV, specifically developed for recce missions. I think you will find that this is a highly capable platform!
The RAF has also been showing interest in HERTI a prop powered UAV, specifically developed for recce missions. I think you will find that this is a highly capable platform!
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Phil,
NASA cite that as the reason for using stone age (relatively) IT in the shuttle/sattelites, as modern processors are constructed on such a small scale that radiation/cosmic rays etc is more likely to interfere with it's normal operation, so it doesn't seem an unreasonable concept.... suspect it's all a question of saving money though! Bet that your old 486 you put in the recycling section of the tip ends up on the 'phoon!
NASA cite that as the reason for using stone age (relatively) IT in the shuttle/sattelites, as modern processors are constructed on such a small scale that radiation/cosmic rays etc is more likely to interfere with it's normal operation, so it doesn't seem an unreasonable concept.... suspect it's all a question of saving money though! Bet that your old 486 you put in the recycling section of the tip ends up on the 'phoon!
Anyhow, the reasons for the old technology in military systems is two-fold. Firstly it takes a long time to design safety critical systems (both hardware and software). This isn't unique to the military space as the design and qualification process for a car ABS system is around five-years. Secondly, when choosing a supplier you want to make sure you can still get parts in 25-years. Intel will guarantee that certain products will be supported for a very-long period of time.
Anyhow, military technology is always a long way behind civilian tech. Indeed, a high end cell phone has a similar level of processing power as the Typhoon, but then again, if your phone crashes it won't cause anything like the same problems!
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
News release on the wires today re actual deployment by RAF of an autonomous UAV system in Afghanistan.
(Begins) The deployment of the BAE Systems HERTI UAV system into an operational environment has been hailed a success by both the RAF and BAE Systems – partners in the unique Project Morrigan.
The RAF deployed a HERTI system, one of the world’s first fully autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAV), in Afghanistan this summer as part of Project Morrigan, a joint initiative between the RAF Air Warfare Centre and BAE Systems. Launched in September 2006, it aims to integrate HERTI UAV systems into UK forces for a short period in order to develop potential Tactics, Techniques & Procedures for the integration of HERTI’s capabilities into existing joint manned/unmanned force structures.
Commenting on HERTI’s role in Afghanistan Wing Commander Mike Humphreys, Officer Commanding of the RAF’s UAV Battlelab, said: “Whilst the objectives and outputs from the exercise remain classified, the HERTI system has been successful in demonstrating its capability in an operational environment. Both the RAF and BAE Systems are satisfied with the progress and development of the project thus far and we look forward to building on this in the coming months”.
With its ability to take off, complete a full mission and land – all at the click of a computer mouse – HERTI has been designed to meet a wide variety of operational needs both cost effectively and with extremely high levels of reliability whilst removing the need for an operator or pilot to control the aircraft from the ground.
The HERTI UAV is one of a family of unmanned air vehicles (UAV) being developed by BAE Systems through its Autonomous Systems and Future Capability, Integrated System Technologies and Australian businesses. Through this work, BAE Systems has been able to translate high levels of autonomy into increased operational effectiveness.
Initially a concept demonstrator, HERTI's first flight was achieved in December 2004 using common systems, powerplants and ground stations with other BAE Systems UAV programmes. It builds on previous major achievements where BAE Systems has flown six different UAVs over the last five years. These included the first, and still the only, fully autonomous flight by a UAV in UK airspace with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) clearance.
Mark Kane, Managing Director of Autonomous Systems and Future Capability at BAE Systems said: “What we have done in developing HERTI is to produce a platform that is affordable, built to meet operational needs, and which will offer levels of reliability that up until now will have only been available in manned aircraft.
The key to HERTI is that we have developed a capability and task driven system that will deliver high levels of operational performance in a wide range of different roles. Project Morrigan,and our own trials have given us further confidence that HERTI is uniquely placed to meet customer requirements around the world.”
(Begins) The deployment of the BAE Systems HERTI UAV system into an operational environment has been hailed a success by both the RAF and BAE Systems – partners in the unique Project Morrigan.
The RAF deployed a HERTI system, one of the world’s first fully autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAV), in Afghanistan this summer as part of Project Morrigan, a joint initiative between the RAF Air Warfare Centre and BAE Systems. Launched in September 2006, it aims to integrate HERTI UAV systems into UK forces for a short period in order to develop potential Tactics, Techniques & Procedures for the integration of HERTI’s capabilities into existing joint manned/unmanned force structures.
Commenting on HERTI’s role in Afghanistan Wing Commander Mike Humphreys, Officer Commanding of the RAF’s UAV Battlelab, said: “Whilst the objectives and outputs from the exercise remain classified, the HERTI system has been successful in demonstrating its capability in an operational environment. Both the RAF and BAE Systems are satisfied with the progress and development of the project thus far and we look forward to building on this in the coming months”.
With its ability to take off, complete a full mission and land – all at the click of a computer mouse – HERTI has been designed to meet a wide variety of operational needs both cost effectively and with extremely high levels of reliability whilst removing the need for an operator or pilot to control the aircraft from the ground.
The HERTI UAV is one of a family of unmanned air vehicles (UAV) being developed by BAE Systems through its Autonomous Systems and Future Capability, Integrated System Technologies and Australian businesses. Through this work, BAE Systems has been able to translate high levels of autonomy into increased operational effectiveness.
Initially a concept demonstrator, HERTI's first flight was achieved in December 2004 using common systems, powerplants and ground stations with other BAE Systems UAV programmes. It builds on previous major achievements where BAE Systems has flown six different UAVs over the last five years. These included the first, and still the only, fully autonomous flight by a UAV in UK airspace with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) clearance.
Mark Kane, Managing Director of Autonomous Systems and Future Capability at BAE Systems said: “What we have done in developing HERTI is to produce a platform that is affordable, built to meet operational needs, and which will offer levels of reliability that up until now will have only been available in manned aircraft.
The key to HERTI is that we have developed a capability and task driven system that will deliver high levels of operational performance in a wide range of different roles. Project Morrigan,and our own trials have given us further confidence that HERTI is uniquely placed to meet customer requirements around the world.”
Do a Hover - it avoids G
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Chichester West Sussex UK
Age: 91
Posts: 2,206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And besides, if they're letting wimmin fly fighter planes,
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tullahoma TN
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I should think so too. They can pull more g than men and when their corner is really threated said wimmin are more vicious and ruthless than any bloke I have met.
The correct PeeCee party line.
The correct PeeCee party line.
