In keeping with the subject of a recent blog item, Extreme Engineering 2005: In the Name of Defense, here's an interesting article in MIT's March 2005 Technology Review magazine: The Ascent of the Robotic Attack Jet.

The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been in the news (example) countless times for its successful armed and unarmed reconnaissance missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Remote-controlled from the ground via satellite, the Predator is clearly an engineering marvel, though seemingly one that's far from perfected. The not-as-publicized Predator B doubles the 25,000-ft. altitude capability of its little brother, and boasts an 800 lb. payload (besting the Predator's 450 lb. rating).

Predicated on the fact that humans require food, sleep, training and pay, the Predator also happens to be a safer way to bomb the hell out of someone; safer in that our sons and daughters stay out of the line of fire.

What's next? According to John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, quoted in MIT's article: "The long-range vision is that the president will wake up some day and decide he doesn't like the cut of someone's jib and send thither infinite numbers of myrmidons—robotic warriors—and that we could wage a war in which we wouldn't risk our precious skins." Requiring newly engineered communications networks and control systems, these new autonomous craft are expected to fly in coordinated groups, identify targets, and drop bombs—while decision-making remains at the human level. How big is this project? It's currently The Biggest DARPA Project with the goal of it being a $4B, five-year program.

Technologically, the article continues, we're okay on the ground with mobile communications networks fast expanding thanks to cellular and Wi-Fi. Today's airborne radio links, however, have one bit error in every 10,000 bits sent: far too unreliable for the airborne Internet that would be required for accurate command and control of autonomous aircraft. Boeing's already flight-tested version of the UCAV, the X-45, will be suited to high-speed air attacks, while Northrop's X-47 is more suitable for recon and carrier landings.

The article ends, stating "Once the airborne networks are as reliable as the land-based Internet, the myrmidons can take any form that pleases the Pentagon." Hmm. Two things. Wouldn't you hope for just a tad more reliability and perhaps a surface-to-air popup blocker? Also, isn't it glorious that the defense industry is back?