Unmanned combat aircraft? The British Ministry of Defence has just introduced Taranis, the first prototype of pilotless combat aircraft (or UCAS, Unmanned Combat Aircraft System) capable of flying in stealth mode, without being detected by enemy radars along its way, and of striking at very long range, even thousands of kilometers away from its base.
The aircraft, called Taranis, is the result of a design and development work which lasted more than three years and a half, and it is bound to become the largest unmanned combat aircraft operating in war zones, once the test flights have been completed (its maiden flight is scheduled by 2011).
How Unmanned combat aircraft is not detected through radars?
It will be equipped with two bays for weaponry, and although it is fitted with equipment that allow it to function in a completely independent manner for most of its mission, the ultimate control and final decision over use of force will be taken by the ground personnel that operates it remotely.
The Taranis project brings together, under the Ministry of Defence umbrella, giants of the avionics, aerospace and electronics fields. Big names such as BAE Systems (which will supervise the entire project), GE Aviation, Qinetiq and Rolls Royce are cooperating to deliver Her Majesty’s troops a new tool to strike from a distance and in complete safety.
During the unveiling ceremony, which took place at BAE Systems’ plant in Warton, no details have been provided yet about weapons, navigation systems and the technology that will be mounted on board the Taranis, but we are sure it will be the best available, to ensure absolute flexibility and an equally absolute precision to strike without being detected by enemy defences.