Robot Jet Fighter Takes First Flight 119
lysdexia writes "The X-47B is a Tailless Flying Robotic Overlord, which requires neither puny human pilot nor extraneous remote control. First flight was 29 minutes, climbing to a height of 5000 ft. Next step: landing on aircraft carrier."
Re:I for one (Score:1, Insightful)
Yes because this is /. and we all have aging robotic overlords in need of a tech refresh
Re:Not a Jet Fighter (Score:4, Insightful)
If I recall correctly, the F-4 originally mounted no guns. When it was offered to the Israelis, they had to demand that they be incorporated into the planes slated for them. In action in Viet Nam, American pilots also learned how stupid this concept was, and remedial action was taken.
Re:Not a Jet Fighter (Score:2, Insightful)
Adding weapons isn't a problem. Weight considerations aside, this thing can (and will ) be a weapon.
I don't like the idea of unmanned drones or automatic anything. I'm a big fan of the military technology and using weapons to bring about peace.
What I don't like is when we remove ourselves from living close to the bone. War is ugly, awful and at times necessary. When we see the cost of war and the bloodshed men will find ways to avoid it. Any enemy who has seen the wasteland of fallen soldiers knows that they will either submit or become another body.
Re:Not a Jet Fighter (Score:2, Insightful)
Don't worry, there will still be a wasteland of fallen soldiers, just mixed in with more regular people.