March 14, 2001 at 6:05 pm
Try this for size:
If we assume that the next generation of combat aircraft to replace Eurofighter/Rafale/F-22/JSF/Gripen/F-117 etc will be UNINHABITED, and will be able to be ‘piloted’ from the ground in an air-conditioned office free from G-force/oxygen/atmospheric pressure restrictions, do you think that the next generation of ‘pilots’ should be subject to the same level of screening on recruitment physique-wise as now, or could the requirement be ‘relaxed’ to include those skilled at playing computer games/flight simulators?
Could perhaps a real qualified pilot be assigned to perform such operations as take-off/transit/formation flying/air-to-air refuelling/landing the UCAV, but at the moment of combat, hand the controls over to someone with amazing reflexes and ‘button skills’ to perform the required ACM/weapons launch, etc?
Given that we have the technology to create very realistic simulators and display battle/sensor info in an easy-to-digest format, and that technology will only improve over time, could perhaps the skill level required to ‘fly’ a future UCAV be less than that required now, or do you think that a pilot is a pilot is a pilot?
Have your say!