Friday, July 17, 2009

UAVs integrated into AF plans


Air Force leaders last month approved the Air Force Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Plan. The plan outlines a coordinated strategy for UAV integration across all Air Force functions. While the vision does not advocate replacement of manned missions, it does identify UAS alternatives for some manned missions. The plan highlights capabilities that will revolutionize UAV operations, including multi-aircraft control. The UAS Flight Plan is a long-range vision to 2047. (Source: AFNS, 07/15/09) Gulf Coast note: Northrop Grumman builds two unmanned systems, Global Hawk and Fire Scout, in Moss Point, Miss.; UAV-maker AeroVironment has a training operation in Navarre, Fla.