The Pentagon’s experimental tinker lap DARPA, has been experimenting with drones that examine some new possibilities for aircraft. This vertical takeoff technology had some problems at first but the Pentagon has gone back to the drawing board with a new drone that will likely make pilots obsolete.
NEW ROLLS ROYCE DRONES HIT THE SKY
Previously, DARPA has been experimenting with vertical takeoff aircraft. In the past, they’ve faced some difficulties with putting rotors on fixed-wing aircraft. After working out some kinks, the Pentagon has made some adjustment. The LightningStrike is the result of these adjustments. Powered by a Rolls-Royce turbine and 24 fans driven by electricity, the LightningStrike is both quick and powerful. It can take off life a plane, and hover like a helicopter, giving it a wide range of situational transport.
THE ULTIMATE KILLING MACHINE
The LightningStrike has a consistent speed of 345-460 mph. In addition to speed, it can hover in place and carry a hefty load. One load it won’t be carrying, however, is a pilot. These drones have been designed without a man in mind. Due to its agility, it’s meant to fly into some high-risk areas. The Pentagon thinks this will be best accomplished without the risk of human life. At the moment, DARPA doesn’t have plans for mass production of these drones as test flights won’t being until 2018. The technology, however, will be used in the future to open up a new series of autonomous drones.
THE FUTURE OF UNMANNED CRAFT
Unmanned systems are not anything particularly new to the military. In recent years, they have been increasing in publicity. Military units around the world are already ordering their fair share of autonomous combat planes. It’s not necessarily a question of if they will replace human pilots, but more so, when. Some estimate that the next generation will represent the last remanents of man powered combat. From aircraft to underwater vessels like submarines, military circles all over predict an autonomous future. These devices will surely make its way into our everyday lives as well. Amazon already has big plans for delivery drones. Let’s just hope they don’t turn on us.
