If I was going to fly something British, I'd take a Tardis.
Posted on 02/06/2014 12:52:33 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Although the footage was shot in August 2013, today BAE Systems released it for the first time.
“Taranis“, the technological demonstrator of UK’s stealthy unmanned combat vehicle made its first flight on Aug. 10, 2013. Where the maiden sortie took place remains a secret.
The aircraft flew at the old British Nuclear test range at Woomera, Australia.
The only thing we know is that the “superdrone” flew under the command of BAE Systems’ test pilot Bob Fraser and “made a perfect take off, rotation, ‘climb out’ and landing.”
Since then, a number of other test flights have taken place in much secrecy.
“Taranis” is an Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV), described as “the most advanced aircraft ever built by British engineers”.
It’s a semi-autonomous pilotless system that will feature an intercontinental range and will be able to carry a wide variety of weapons, including PGMs (Precision Guided Munitions) and air-to-air missiles.
The Royal Air Force already operates a fleet of Reaper drones from RAF Waddington airbase.
Yes, as opposed to the vaunted Surrender Monkey Air “Fleet”.
In that view, it does, indeed look similar to the X-47. However, since it lacks the extended wingtips of the X-47, in plan view, it seems to more closely resemble the B-2...
Thanks for the post! It’s good to know that at least one FReeper is staying abreast of these sorts of things...
Thanks for the redirect to your profile. More FReepers with interesting profiles should drop a hint now and then.
You are, of course, correct - there were joint facilities with the US in the Woomera area as well - and Nurrangar is now part of the test range itself.
I loved my time in Woomera. Memories I will always cherish. Even now I can hear the drunken “caw” of the outback crows, the noisy squawks of flying galahs, feel the heat again, the vastness of the bush...
But my best memories are the people! Aussies are truly God’s children. Maybe it’s just the bunch beyond the black stump, or South Australians, but I always felt right at home.
The only thing that sucked was the Nurrangar schedule. We worked 4 swings (evenings), 4 mids, and 4 day shifts and then got 3 days off. So at the last swing we’d generally go to someone’s house in Woomera village and drink until dawn, then the last mid we’d go to Spud’s roadhouse in Pimba and drink from 7:30 until 3: pm. Others would have a party after the last day shift but NOT me. I be on the Suart Highway to Adelaide to go visit the shielas! (and tour the other attractions)
“A flying Calzone! Sounds like a name for a circus act!................”
I think they lived nearby when I lived in New Jersey.
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