bobdina
05-27-2009, 03:50 PM
3RD-GEN UAV BY 2012
The Air Force is already looking at a third generation of armed remote-control planes even as it continues to build up its fleet of MQ-1 Predators and MQ9 Reapers.
The service has started an analysis of alternatives for the next unmanned aerial vehicle, dubbed the MQX, with the goal of choosing a plane in 2012, Lt. Gen.
Mark Shackelford told reporters May 15.
Shackelford, one of the service’s top acquisition officials, said that the MQX contract will likely be open to all bidders.
The Air Force and Defense Department did not put the project to build Predators and Reapers up for open bidding because the need for the UAVs was so urgent.
General Atomics, which makes both the Predator and Reaper, already has unveiled a jet-powered UAV called the Avenger, able to fly at 460 mph — about twice as fast as the Reaper — and carry 3,000 pounds of weapons and sensors.
The Air Force is already looking at a third generation of armed remote-control planes even as it continues to build up its fleet of MQ-1 Predators and MQ9 Reapers.
The service has started an analysis of alternatives for the next unmanned aerial vehicle, dubbed the MQX, with the goal of choosing a plane in 2012, Lt. Gen.
Mark Shackelford told reporters May 15.
Shackelford, one of the service’s top acquisition officials, said that the MQX contract will likely be open to all bidders.
The Air Force and Defense Department did not put the project to build Predators and Reapers up for open bidding because the need for the UAVs was so urgent.
General Atomics, which makes both the Predator and Reaper, already has unveiled a jet-powered UAV called the Avenger, able to fly at 460 mph — about twice as fast as the Reaper — and carry 3,000 pounds of weapons and sensors.