USAF’s New ‘Black’ Bird Fast, Stealthy, Long-Endurance UAV Would Fill Satellite Gap

[CVX]

http://www.isrjournal.com/story.php?F=3114321

[plazul]

Every pilots fantasy, for sure. But, obviously, it wont be the same being a remote pilot flying this aircraft.

Interesting tibit about the emp counter measures but I think the capability was exaggerated.

No aircraft will ever come close to matching the Black Bird for sheer sex appeal. Imagine flying at 90,000 feet at mach three back in the Sixties. You would have felt like Buck Rodgers and James Bond combined.

[Tombstone]

Originally Posted by plazul

Interesting tibit about the emp counter measures but I think the capability was exaggerated.

No aircraft will ever come close to matching the Black Bird for sheer sex appeal. Imagine flying at 90,000 feet at mach three back in the Sixties. You would have felt like Buck Rodgers and James Bond combined.

You better believe it. Taking off from an airfield, flying up to the edge of space, and landing later that day is still a heady activity. It must have been an almost supernatural experience during the 60's.

From what "little" I know of the counter-measure technologies and the production and deployment of said items: Not over-stated. But yes, currently over-promised on a schedule basis. You'll be pleasantly surprised when they get the project done.

[plazul]

Well, you never know what these phantom works types are going to come up with. I'm more interested in the speed and the engines on this baby than I am with the counter measure electronics. It's definitely going to be a wild ride but from the comfort of a remote cockpit. The ultimate video game.