SINGAPORE 2010: UAVs to have more range and strike capability

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/02/01/337846/singapore-2010-uavs-to-have-more-range-and-strike-capability.html

 

The United State Air Force is working on new technologies that mean some of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the future will have in-flight refuelling capabilities, longer range and new strike capabilities.

UAVs are moving beyond surveillance and kinetic strike capabilities to include, for example, directed energy weapons, the US Air Force's chief scientist Werner Dahm, told delegates today at the Singapore Airshow's Aerospace Technology and Maintenance conference. Longer-range missions means the UAVs will require highly efficient engine technologies and in some instances this will involve using solar energy and regenerative energy capabilities, says Dahm.