Navy’s Unmanned Combat Aircraft Flying Under Cloud of Uncertainty

The Navy expects to invest a growing share of its aviation research dollars in unmanned aircraft as it seeks to extend the reach and endurance of its carrier-based air wings.

The science behind unpiloted flying is well understood by now, after years of progressively more frequent deployments of drones by the U.S. military. Scientists have perfected technologies such as autonomous flying — which does not require a controller on the ground — and in-flight refueling of unmanned aircraft.

They are now finding that the technology, although mature, is running up against policies that could hinder its progress. Rules that restrict independent UAV flying, experts contend, are expected to slow the expansion of unmanned aircraft.

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