[mbynack]

Drones can’t perform the air to air mission. It’s one of the most complex missions in the Air Force. I would also have reservations about using drones for close air missions.

[Young Werther]

Drones are killing Taliban as we speak! As for Air to Air Missions the Airborne Laser Aircraft could sweep the sky just as well. A fighter with a laser cannon has been proposed.

In Star Wars Luke and Hans ward off attacking star fighters with laser cannons which look alot like the B-36 waist gunners window and 50 cal machine guns. Indeed Lucas used WWII combat photos to simulate the attack on the Death Star!