Here's the Boeing X-45. God, that was a hot day. Anyway this pilotless plane did some scary stuff a couple of years ago.
Two X-45A unmanned aircraft flew a simulated combat mission during their 50th flight at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
The two X-45As began the test by departing from Edwards and climbing to altitudes of 24,500 and 25,500 ft respectively. Separated by approximately 25 miles and operating at Mach .65 (225 knots), the jets began their combat air patrol (CAP) mission to provide airborne alert over the exercise area. Tasked with suppression of enemy air defenses, the two vehicles were given two simulated pop-up ground threats to eliminate.
Once alerted to the first threat, the X-45As autonomously determined which vehicle held the optimum position, weapons and fuel load to properly attack the target. After making that decision, one of the X-45As changed course and the pilot-operator allowed it to attack the simulated ground-based radar. Following a successful strike, another simulated threat emerged and was subsequently destroyed by the second X-45A. The two X-45As completed their mission and safely returned to Edwards.
Amazing. Did I say how hot that day was?
