Mach 5 Flight

[xrobwx71]

PRESS RELEASE: Funded to Flight — Hermeus

We are going to need to start working on a deflector shield pretty soon.

 

[britechguy]

Many, many moons ago, in my first job after having received my bachelor's degree in computer science, I worked for a defense contracting company that was long ago absorbed into what is now Raytheon.

It took me only 2 years to become completely disillusioned with the entire industry, because most of what it does falls under the, "Just because we can do it doesn't mean we should do it, or need to do it," category.

At least this drone (and that's what it is) is reusable, but I want to know where the need for a Mach 5 speed drone lies? I surely can't see any pressing one. But there is always money, always, for whatever the military-industrial complex has a yen for. And having been a part of it I don't say that lightly, and can say it having had in insider's view. Most of the money spent on "the latest and greatest" military hardware would be best spent elsewhere (like, even, on soldier salaries).

 

[Corday]

Generals' seem to like phallic shapes. If you really want to see a SNAFU, read about the Ontos (USMC). Officially it was a great anti-tank weapon. Unfortunately a tank could out run it.

 

[A Guy]

Heck, we had that when I was a kid...



A Guy

 

[Digerati]

but I want to know where the need for a Mach 5 speed drone lies

Reconnaissance. The U-2/TR-1 spy-planes were too slow. The SR-71 cost too much to operate, and for today, is too slow.

If some new development occurs we need pictures of, we could probably get one of these overhead faster than it takes to reposition a satellite.

 

[britechguy]

we could probably get one of these overhead faster than it takes to reposition a satellite.

My gut tells me that the need to reposition a satellite disappeared long ago, but I have absolutely no way of confirming that.

I cannot imagine that we do not already have spy satellites constantly positioned so that any random spot on the surface of the earth could be examined, and closely, at a moment's notice. That was the main reason for my incredulity for the need for a Mach 5 drone.

 

[Digerati]

I am certain we have satellites that can see essentially every square inch of the Earth. But not "directly" overhead every minute of the day or night. And for sure, there could be advantages to having a camera "directly" overhead, as opposed to being off to the side.

Also, while we have imaging technologies and devices that can "see" in any weather, the best imagery is still on cloudless, sunny days. Or when the camera can be "flown" below the cloud ceiling without the risk of being shot down.

And if these mach-5 drones can drop smart-bombs or fire missiles or rockets, that opens up an entire different realm of potential uses.

Of course much also depends on their range. While this appears to be an Air Force project, I have no doubts the Navy is keeping a close, first-hand watch on it too.