>40 years ago>this will be a game changer>
>>65160598It was a game changer even back then because you could do recon missions that the political leadership would never sign off on a manned mission for.It's just that the general public doesn't see those discussions so forgets they happen.
>>65160598Drones finally reached a breakthrough due to a confluence of multiple technologies maturing, namely:1. Computers have gotten small and smart enough. An Arduino-sized computer has the same capacity of a 10kg computer from the 80s. Now every weapon can be "smart". This also means the munition payload is now increased.2. CAD software has become commonplace and can be run on normal desktop PCs instead of supercomputers3. 3D printers have become commonplace to rapidly combine CAD software and prototyping. A process that used to take years can now be done in weeks.4. Physics modeling software allows drone designers to do away with wind tunnel testing until the final prototype5. AI/Machine learning can now guide drones to recognize and aim for targets.6. Networking hardware and software have become ubiquitous so that drones can be controlled from afar without needing NASA grade equipment. We are at the nexus of these techs coming together. Manned frontline military vehicles and human soldiers will be mostly deprecated in the next 20-50 years. At most, manned vehicles on land/sea/air will serve as the mobile mothership and command centers for drones.
>>65160598Behold, ye olde UCAV!
>>65160950Developments of QH-50 DASH ASW drone under programs "ATTACK DRONE", "GUNSHIP", "NITE PANTHER" and "NITE GAZELLE"
>>65160958QH-50 ARPA Bird with ground surveillance radar
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