Supersonic Arrow Drones

avatar

The highly elegant jet-drones Arrow from Kelley Aerospace look almost like darts in the sky. Capable of flying individually or in a flock with a leading plane with a human crew they should specialize in aerial battles and attacks on terrestrial targets.


aircraft-63211_1920.jpg

Image by WikiImages from Pixabay

Autonomous machines are evolving right in front of our eyes, no matter whether we talk about civilian or military applications. The company Kelley Aerospace recently officially introduced Arrow. Their supersonic jet-combat drone. At the same time, Kelley announced they already have over 100 pre-orders from customers.

As it is common for these types of drones, Arrow can partake in different types of missions. It can fly fully autonomously – including the lift-off and landing. Or it can be operated by a human on the ground. Another option is that Arrow drones can fly in a flock led by a machine with a human crew.

The main goal for Arrow is to supplement aerial forces that require human crews and increase the aerial power of their users. Kelley Aerospace claims that it is the first supersonic drone that includes advanced flock intelligence and the capability to fly in aerial fleets.

One of the key characteristics of the Arrow drone is its monocoque constructions from carbon fibers. Its maximum lift-off weight is 16.8 tons and the drone is capable of flying up to 4,800 kilometers. Because of its construction that doesn’t include parts needed for human crews, the Arrow is quite strong and durable and it has been developed in a way to only produce minimal radar and infrared reflections.

If you’re thinking of buying one, you are in luck as it is “relatively cheap”. Somewhere between 9 and 16 million dollars depending on what equipment you choose. In comparison, a single F-35 costs somewhere between 200 and 230 million dollars and it also puts human life at risk.

Sources:


  • If you like the content I’m producing about science maybe you will like the content I produce about gaming as well! Be sure to check out my other posts!


0
0
0.000
0 comments