In the US, they are testing the "Fire Bird" - a drone with a pilot

The American company Northrop Grumman completes the test of an “optionally piloted vehicle” (Optionally Piloted Vehicle, OPV), which has the ability to fly, both in unmanned and manned versions, reports "Warspot" with reference to thedrive.com portal.

Firebird manned version

The decision to combine the capabilities of manned and unmanned control was dictated by the desire to save operating costs, since during one mission the Firebird can solve problems for the UAV, and where flights drones prohibited - switch to a manned version.

unmanned version of Firebird

The first flight of the optionally manned Northrop Grumman Firebird car took place in February 2010 of the year, later a closed demonstration was held for Pentagon officials. According to the developers, the successful completion of the test cycle that is currently underway could lead to the mass production of this machine next year.

Firebird has a wingspan of 19,8 m, body length is 10,3 m. The maximum lift height is 9 km, the time spent in the air is from 24 to 40 hours. Movement speed - 250 km / h. Maximum cargo weight - 562 kg. Flight range - to 2,5 thousands of kilometers. In the field, the reworking of the unmanned to the manned version (and back) takes only four hours, and the change of reconnaissance modules takes about 30 minutes. The main purpose - intelligence.

The company notes that due to the simple and robust design, Firebird can be used on aerodromes with poor coverage.

Comments

[igorka357]

Shooo? Is it true that for Amer’s unmanned aviation, the acre of the airspace of the Russian Federation and the space where there are interests of the Russian Federation, there are zones prohibited for flights? I think they fly wherever they want, and in some places they will first bomb them with missiles and then fly .. And this pepelats is certainly very gray, well sho is 9km ceiling, tfu ..

[bouncyhunter]

during one mission, Firebird can solve problems for UAVs, and where unmanned flights are prohibited, switch to a manned version.

Some garbage. What new Powers are prepared to send? Or just sawing a budget?

[Stone]

If you install a module with explosives instead of a cabin, you can get a guided bomb with a very decent range, which can be increased with an additional tank. The price of such an ashtray is a maximum of 5-10% of the cost of a cruise missile. And launching is possible from the ground. The very thing is to bomb the natives.

[Vladimirets]

Quote: Sten

If you install a module with explosives instead of a cabin, you can get a guided bomb with a very decent range, which can be increased with an additional tank. The price of such an ashtray is a maximum of 5-10% of the cost of a cruise missile.

Low speed, inability to counter air defense.

Quote: Sten

The very thing is to bomb the natives.

Too fat for the natives, they can be bombarded much cheaper with free-falling bombs.

[Shurik70]

Isn't it cheaper to give an ordinary aircraft UAV capabilities than an UAV to add a cockpit?
Electronics every year becomes more compact, more powerful, cheaper. So to add additional functions to a regular autopilot is like adding a couple of chips. Only.

[krot]

The US does not understand us .. They have a lot of interesting things to go to cut) Pilot drones, then unmanned pilots .. and so on))

[Shurik70]

Are pilotless planes weak?

[krot]

Are pilotless planes weak?

This is generally a Sumerian theme! )))

[kasatky]

Quote: bouncyhunter

Some garbage. What new Powers are prepared to send?

Such a winged machine is very well suited for training artificial intelligence. First, different pilots fly, like 10000 hours, and then she herself will fly better than all of them. And the "brains" can be replicated in any quantity.
PS Remember how Buran was taught to fly.

[krot]

Such a winged machine is very well suited for training artificial intelligence.

Yeah, and "Professor Dowell's head" will rule there))

[krot]

Such a winged machine is very well suited for training artificial intelligence.

What do you dislike for the corn picker for such purposes? ) Moreover, it is now updated well .. For me, so crazy idea

[IGU]

since during one mission Firebird can solve problems for UAVs, and where unmanned flights are prohibited, switch to a manned version.

- and where, again, they are allowed to get rid of the pilot and switch to an unmanned version.

[Labrador]

You can put any Papuan in the cab, and where it becomes unnecessary, you need to catapult to save fuel

[Piramidon]

Quote: IGU

- and where, again, they are allowed to get rid of the pilot and switch to an unmanned version.

Why get rid? Hide under the chair.

[Aleks2048]

Hooray! A breakthrough in aircraft construction ... the USA made a prototype in 2010 ... and in 2020 they can start production of their "Corn"!

Speed ​​- 250 km / h

Cheers, comrades!

[tlauicol]

I would call him the Capitoline Wolf. Looks like))

[srha]

Under-UAVs - station wagons / combines - they are for the poor.

[Nikolaevich I]

A drone with a pilot? With such ?

[venik]

"...... the time spent in the air is indicated from 24 to 40 hours ......."
===========
A pilot has enough "diapers" ?????

[swnvaleria]

there the hole in the seat is made, for fear of smelly bombs to drop on the enemy, and saving on diapers

[Jerk]

1 Mexican is cheaper than one iPhone. Savings are evident

[k174oun7]

The American "corn man" asks for the sky.

[Е2 - Е4]

We will work out good targets for our electronic warfare. Let's see what will happen to these striped pilots when EW is irradiated and forced landing somewhere in the ocean !!!