From: Ad 

So when does skynet go operational...?

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=36019

"QINETIQ HAS ANNOUNCED the development of the world's first ever
system able to control and organise multiple unmanned aircraft, the company
said today.

The project was sponsored as part of a recent programme for the Ministry of Defence.

A twin-jet aircraft, a BAC1-11 for those plane spotters browsing the INQ
from a Greek prison, has been central to the demonstration, QinetiQ said.
The jet was converted into a fully-functional unmanned air vehicle, also
known as a UAV. The plane was controlled remotely for the demonstration,
but also demonstrated was a package of simulated UAVs on a strategic level
at the same time.

Supposedly the test was a complete success, with the BAC1-11 flying and
working on its lonesome - of course, a crew was on board for safety
reasons, making sure the demonstration didn't take a turn for the
disastrous.

Andrew Sleigh of QinetiQ said in a release, "this demonstration is a
wonderful achievment for the team. The success is an important step in
proving that complex autonomous decision-making technologies are ready to
move from a simulated world to realistic flight conditions."

Andy reckons that the new technology could well lead to just the one human
operator controlling UAVs from a control tower without the risk that manned
aircraft carries."


Note the use of a BAC 1-11 airliner as mothership & drone. One could
imagine a drone mothership carrying fuel & a little brood following in
it's wake.

Adam

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