(NaturalNews) It's a concept that is anathema to most of today's
military pilots: Fighter planes without a human being at the
helm. Yet, that's the next generation of strike fighters that
are going to be produced by the United States, according to a
number of analysts. In fact, the Navy already has its own
version making test flights. The X-47B, manufactured by Northrup
Grumman, was unveiled by Navy officials this month as a
pilotless, remote-controlled weapons platform that will
ultimately be flying missions from the decks of American
carriers. Officially known as the Unmanned Combat Air System,
the drone-like strike fighter is currently undergoing flight
tests at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland.
Eventually, officials say, the platform will carry weapons,
though none are being placed on board the current test model.
According to the manufacturer, the X-47B will make its first
carrier landings. "Under a contract awarded in 2007, the company
designed, produced and is currently flight testing t