Canon PowerShot G9
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This X-45A was the first modern Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) designed specifically for combat strike missions. It flew 64 flights and delivered bombs.

I spoke with a Boeing Phantom Works programmer, and he said that it had flown missions in Iraq. It is “stealthy” but does not have a full stealth radar profile. One remote operator can control two of these birds simultaneously.

Above the X-45 is a Predator.

10 responses to “Dehumanizing”

  1. Peace through superior firepower? (Line by Vincent Schiavelli in ST:TNG,ep20)

    If this is in a museum then I shudder to think what might be currently flying.

  2. yeah…. Here is one with the weapons bay open:

  3. Hey, I work across the street from the Air and Space museum. I’ll have to check this out at lunch!

  4. Mavericks 2010!

    Gentlemen…..start your engines.

  5. It might be mistaken for a bird if it weren’t for the words and the big American flag!

    Seen on your photo stream. (?)

  6. Yeah, you gotta love the branding moment… when you look up and see the hatch opening… 😉

    I think they try to make them look like UFOs just to goof on people and keep the buzz going….

  7. Is that Slim Pickens on the top of the bomb?

  8. oh yes… But that ride is also done remotely… It’s a mechanical bull ride at the remote control center… Much safer that way…

    Dr. Strangelove

  9. Go Air Force…go Smithsonian!!!

  10. interesting looking machines

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