New Drone Controlled From The Air

Uncomfortable with the idea of sharing the airspace with pilotless aircraft controlled from the ground? How about drones controlled from another aircraft? Boeing recently tested a system that enables the weapons system operator on an F-15 to remotely pilot a modified T-33. During the tests, the F-15 and its pilotless wingman went through a range of war-fighting scenarios and the results were encouraging. “The ability of manned aircraft to coordinate operations with unmanned aircraft will provide new dimensions in survivability and mission effectiveness,” said Boeing spokesman Patrick Stokes.

Uncomfortable with the idea of sharing the airspace with pilotless aircraft controlled from the ground? How about drones controlled from another aircraft? Boeing recently tested a system that enables the weapons system operator on an F-15 to remotely pilot a modified T-33. During the tests, the F-15 and its pilotless wingman went through a range of war-fighting scenarios and the results were encouraging. "The ability of manned aircraft to coordinate operations with unmanned aircraft will provide new dimensions in survivability and mission effectiveness," said Boeing spokesman Patrick Stokes. And what if the remote pilot screws up? The tests showed the "emerging autonomous control technologies" that will allow drones to detect and avoid trouble and take evasive action as required. The new technology will also allow drones to react to pop-up threats and in-flight faults. A voice-command system is also being developed.