How Dumb Are Drones? (How dumb are PBS/NOVA writers?)

PBS/NOVA ^ | January 17, 2013 | Lauren S. Aguirre

[Seizethecarp]

For many, the word “drone” summons images of innocent civilians killed in wars conducted from thousands of miles away and raises concerns about invasions of privacy. For others, a drone is simply a next-generation military weapon that saves both lives and money. And for still others, drones are a fascinating backyard hobby for adults and children alike. But no matter what you think about them, drones are here to stay. The Air Force predicts that within a decade nearly 30 percent of its attack and fighter planes will be drones. It’s not just the military that sees their potential, either. Drones are being used for humanitarian purposes such as search and rescue missions, environmental conservation, and forest fire detection.

Advantages aside, the current generation of UAVs suffer from a number of vulnerabilities. Operator boredom is one of them. While backyard drone inventors enthusiastically set aside hours of free time to pilot their craft, a military operator must maintain attention on a scene where nothing important can happen for days on end. Inevitably, vigilance decreases over time.

But arguably the greatest vulnerability of the current generation of UAVs is their intelligence, or lack thereof. "UAVs sometimes aren't that smart," says Bill Sweetman, Chief Editor for Defense Technology at the Aviation Week and Space Technology Group. "Their self-diagnosis isn't that smart, and by the time they have a problem, it's too late. They lose a link, they lose power, and you're gone." When that happens, information relayed up to the aircraft, such as changes in direction, altitude, or even whether to terminate the mission, is lost. Information coming back down to the operator—such as real-time streaming images from the aircraft and an understanding of how its systems are performing—is also gone.

[Seizethecarp]

See also:

“Rise of the Drones (PBS NOVA Wed Jan 23 9PM EST)”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2980837/posts

[sten]

funny... first thing I think of when I hear the word ‘drone’ is some liberal media flunky or brain washed libtard posting on DU from some squatter shack on public land

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

In the animal world a drone is a male with no sex organ. I guess that fits the libs.

[KarlInOhio]

While backyard drone inventors enthusiastically set aside hours of free time to pilot their craft, a military operator must maintain attention on a scene where nothing important can happen for days on end. Inevitably, vigilance decreases over time.

Unlike a real flight crew you can work shifts and switch among an unlimited number of pilots, copilots and weapons and ECM operators. You can even have specialist pilots for take off and landings or for air combat.

[OrioleFan]

“Rise of the Drones (PBS NOVA Wed Jan 23 9PM EST)” is the story of the creation of MSNBC.

[VRW Conspirator]

Unlike a real flight crew you can work shifts and switch among an unlimited number of pilots, copilots and weapons and ECM operators.

There was a contest sponsored by DARPA a couple of years ago, yes the ones who fostered internet technology, that gave a $million prize to whomever could produce an unmanned automobile through various obstacle courses. I knew right away that this was significant and profound. In the near future, "programmed" drones will be pulling eternal guard duty or "suicide" missions, completly unmanned and untended.

Imagine pushing a button from the other side of the world and a fully armed 4-wheel drive pulls out of a parking garage and goes a place of engagement. I will leave the details up to you.

[PapaBear3625]

In the near future, "programmed" drones will be pulling eternal guard duty or "suicide" missions, completly unmanned and untended. Imagine pushing a button from the other side of the world and a fully armed 4-wheel drive pulls out of a parking garage and goes a place of engagement.

Or perhaps not having any wheels.