[Kozak]

On the other hand, flying at 400 mph and 35,000 feet, is not 'terribly' risky for a manned flight.

Oh really? Would you feel that way with a mach 3 SAM coming at you? How about if a SU 27 is on your tail?

Right now the major rate limiting step in air power is that you first need to knock out the air defences. That ties up most of the stealth AC on the first few days of an air war. THEN you can go after the real targets. With a UCAV you multiply your force right away since you don't have to worry nearly as much about losses. It's only gear.

[DefCon]

ME:
On the other hand, flying at 400 mph and 35,000 feet, is not 'terribly' risky for a manned flight.
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YOU:
Oh really? Would you feel that way with a mach 3 SAM coming at you? How about if a SU 27 is on your tail?
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Of course, you are right,
my thoughts were too fixated on 'todays' war, I guess.