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2023-04-03 Science & Technology
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US Special Forces Test Autonomous Glider For Critical Resupply Missions
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[ZERO] At the beginning of this year, we checked out exhibits of defense firms showing off their cutting-edge weapons at the 45th SHOT Show at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas (read: here & here). Over the years, what has captured our attention are the advanced weapons that could potentially be employed by Tier 1 special ops personnel in the next major conflict.
The latest weapon of war that special ops might be adding to their arsenal is a new unmanned aerial delivery system for quick resupply of friendly forces on the frontlines.
In February, the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) successfully tested Defense Department contractor Silent Arrow's GD-2000 glider, a disposable autonomous aircraft that can haul upwards of 1,500 pounds of gear and equipment at a range of up to 40 miles, at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
Traditional supply delivery systems can be bulky and involve a parachute with a very limited distance. The ability of the autonomous glider to maneuver through the air will allow Tier 1 operators to receive critical supplies in heavily contested warzones.
"What this glider does is give us a much greater [travel distance] and a much greater glide ratio into a target.
"If we are able to get [the glider] up to 40,000 feet we're looking at [travel distances] in excess of 25 to 30 miles. That's a pretty unique capability and not matched by anything we currently have," said a Special Forces detachment commander whose team tested the glider.
During the successful field training exercise at Yuma Proving Grounds, the GD-2000 with 1,000 pounds of supplies was airdropped from an Alenia C-27J Spartan military transport plane, and it glided to within 30 meters of its intended target. 
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Posted by Besoeker 2023-04-03 00:00||
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Posted by Skidmark 2023-04-03 07:37||
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Posted by Besoeker 2023-04-03 07:45||
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Posted by Super Hose 2023-04-03 07:51||
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Posted by DarthVader 2023-04-03 10:58||
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Fairchilld C-123 Provider. The 'El Avion' is on my bucket list.