Quote:
Originally Posted by sc_rufctr
Probably true but I wouldn't fly on an aircraft without a pilot.
Sure they have lots of automation on modern jets but there always a pilot making the decisions. Is that always a good thing?  |
The redundancy in auto pilots, gyros, power generation, etc. makes large UAS a much safer aircraft than a manned aircraft.
I don't see unmanned passenger airliners ever, although perhaps a reduction in crew from two to one.
FEDEX and the rest very much want unmanned cargo aircraft, for any number of reasons, one being that unmanned aircraft have a much broader weather envelope in the launch and terminal phases of flight.
When I manged the Navy's Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration Program, I always asked the engineers to call me and let me know when they were landing. I'd hustle out to the LSO shack at Pax and watch.
It landed in nearly the exact same spot every time.