Posted on 12/05/2009 6:54:01 PM PST by edge10
The secret is out. The U.S. Air Force has confirmed the existence of the “Beast of Kandahar” UAV that was seen flying out of Afghanistan in late 2007. The jet aircraft – a tailless flying wing with sensor pods faired into the upper surface of each wing – is the RQ-170 Sentinel, developed by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works. An Air Force official revealed to Aviation Week Friday afternoon that the service is “developing a stealthy unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to provide reconnaissance and surveillance support to forward deployed combat forces.”
(Excerpt) Read more at aviationweek.com ...
Looks a bit like the X-47B
Yes, you’re correct that it’s another win for the “Skunk Works”. LockMart sells another another closed proprietary system to the USAF, ensuring that the the gov’t (read taxpayers) pays too much up front and then through the nose for support over the life-cycle of the system.
“. LockMart sells another another closed proprietary system to the USAF, ensuring that the the gov’t (read taxpayers) pays too much up front and then through the nose for support over the life-cycle of the system.”
Another closed proprietary system? Perhaps you know of an open standard for building leading edge super performance aircraft? Maybe India or China is working on one.
I’m sure once Hillary gets in the WH, the Chinese will be given enough info to build these as well:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/missile/keystories.htm
This is the picture they dont want you to see. The vehicle in its proposed role.
http://westegdehydrogenondemand.homestead.com/blank_page_07.gif
Mentioned you in #10...
Now that the Air Force as officially acknowledged it’s existence, I’m sure they’ll be a Wiki stub article by the end of the day.
The one that was on static display at the 2009 Edwards AFB airshow was equipped with a tail-hook.
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