Another $hithole to pour money down

[unhappycamper]

Cargo UAVs considered for supply delivery
By Matthew Cox - Staff writer
Posted : Saturday Mar 14, 2009 10:29:14 EDT

By this summer, combat troops in Afghanistan could be resupplied by giant unmanned aerial vehicles, a Marine Corps general told Congress.

The Corps is working with industry to build a cargo-carrying UAV capable of hauling up to 1,200 pounds of battlefield essentials — such as ammunition, water and batteries — to ground troops in remote places, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John Amos told the House Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on Defense at its hearing Tuesday.

The move is part of a short-term plan to find new ways to reduce the weight Marines carry into combat. Details are sketchy, but Amos said, “I’m looking for something now. We want to get a solution into Afghanistan by this summer.”

Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chiarelli, who also testified at the hearing, told Army Times in an interview that he was unsure if the Army will use cargo UAVs in the future. He said the Army has been able to deliver up to 26,000 pounds of supplies a day using precision air drops.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/03/army_giant_uavs_031409w/%2e

[MADem]

1. Cheaper than a pilot in an armor plated aircraft

The UAV technology is already "there." The payloads are getting heavier and heavier. If you just need to send a small amount of goods to a specific unit in a remote region, it's a nice option to have.

This is also a "plowshares" type of technology, that can be translated to peacetime applications.

I remember when UAV research couldn't get a dime because Reagan was wasting it all on Star Wars. I never thought I'd see the day that they'd actually be operational.

[madokie]

2. I'm more concerned with the bigger problem

the war itself. Thats where I'll spend my efforts. I know when it was that I needed supplies they sure were a welcome sight.

[Mari333]

3. both occupations are neverending blackholes nt