Drones the Podcast - 02: MILITARY DRONES
This episode we will look at some amazing swarming drone tech the military is working on and speculate about what the hell the X-37B drone actually did on its two years in space!
Swarming Tech #1: Loyal Wingman
The US Air Force takes the cake for most advanced testing with its Loyal Wingman Project. The idea is to create autonomous aircraft that are paired with a manned aircraft to act as the manned aircraft's wingmen. These drone wingmen are supposed to do everything from carry out attacks on enemies to protect the manned aircraft.
In the last few months the Air Force has reportedly “successfully demonstrated” the concept using F-16s as drones in tests at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Proved ability to react and strike autonomously!
Now we have the possibility of invasion by drones.
Swarming tech #2: China and Russia Keep Pace
From: http://www.newsweek.com/drones-swarm-autonomous-russia-robots-609399
Turning into an arms race over drones → many calling it the future of war
Kronstadt Group in Russia is developing
China also developing
While the arms race isn't good. With all this money pouring into autonomous drones and related technologies it will surely trickle down to civilian applications
Speculate about X-37B Drone!
From:http://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-military-drone-back-after-mystery-space-mission
The X-37B is a secretive drone program by the USAF. It just recently landed after an estimated 2 years in space
What was it doing? Have hosts speculate
Taking photos, Ionic thruster, spy platform, satellite killer?
Some experts say it is just a testing platform, maybe an expensive mistake...who really knows!
