[DesScorp]

"Think Predator with a pilot at remote controls.

I may be wrong here, but I seem to recall that what really made this different from the other UAV's is that there is no remote control... that this plane is literally a robot, with a mission programmed into it. You load the mission program, fire up the UAV, and get out of it's way. The goal is for it to be completely autonomous from startup to shutdown, including robotic takeoffs and landings, with everything controlled by software. With something like a Predator, it's just a remote control toy writ large. This really is more like a cylon. Build it, tell it where the target is, and turn it loose.

[SZonian]

Then carrier landings will be very problematic as they have to program the vehicle to touch down at a specific altitude above sea level. If the deck is pitching, I suspect they’re going to plant a few of these before they get it right.

All of this is pure speculation based on DesScorp’s post to me. If what he says is correct, then my theory may have merit. (Disclaimer since I don’t actually work on that one and have no inside knowledge.)

Cheers,
SZ

[Francis McClobber]

The X-47 will be controlled much like the Global Hawk, where an operator may direct the flight including course, airspeed and altitude changes, but the aircraft flies itself. It will not be a set and forget aircraft.

The Predator is far more that a toy. It is remotely piloted, with a pilot controlling the flight control surfaces of the aircraft. It is capable of autonomous operation as well, but that is not it’s primary use.