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Science & Technology
Afghanistan, the U.S. military will experiment with remote-controlled, unmanned supply choppers
2010-10-21
Faced with increasing casualties from roadside bombs in Afghanistan, the U.S. military will experiment with remote-controlled, unmanned helicopters to deliver supplies to remote outposts, according to a report Thursday.

The U.S. Navy is seeking a contractor to operate the program, scheduled for 2011, the report in Stars and Stripes said.

“This is a rapid deployment effort being led by the Navy in response to an urgent needs requirement for a Cargo UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) capability in support of Marine Corps forces engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom,” Eric Pratson, leader of the Navy team behind the project, told Stripes.

Lockheed-Martin and Kaman Aerospace say their K-MAX unmanned helicopter system can do the job. They tested it at the ArmyÂ’s Dugway Proving Ground earlier this year and it met or exceeded requirements, according to a Lockheed-Martin statement.

Video: Watch K-MAX test
Posted by:GolfBravoUSMC

#5   ...because the EPA filings and court fights would take two decades.

Forgiveness is easier to come by than permission. Fumigate the place and install the Indians. Imagine the hysterics the Paki's would have. [smile]
Posted by: Secret Asian Man   2010-10-21 20:21  

#4  ...because the EPA filings and court fights would take two decades.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2010-10-21 17:46  

#3  How about: (i) fumigate the whole country, and (ii) invite a few million Indians to come and settle there.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2010-10-21 17:09  

#2  You free up manned 'thinking on the fly' choppers from doing routine supply runs to support medivac missions et al. You cut down the cargo flight hours of who you have on hand to focus on other priorities. Remember the theater is at the end of a very long logistical cord. Right off the bat, you save the lift cost of the pilot and co-pilot and add that to the cargo.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2010-10-21 14:06  

#1   I don't get the point. Are that many helos being shot down? Why not simply deploy more manned helos?
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418   2010-10-21 12:44  

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