Boeing, BAE Systems Show Off New Unmanned Planes

gilgsn writes The hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye unmanned airborne system, a demonstrator that will stay aloft at 65,000 feet for up to four days, was unveiled by Boeing today. 'Phantom Eye is powered by two 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engines that provide 150 horsepower each. It has a 150-foot wingspan, will cruise at approximately 150 knots and can carry up to a 450-pound payload.' Across the pond, BAE Systems showed off Taranis, a UAV that will test the possibility of developing the first ever autonomous, stealth Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle that would ultimately be capable of precisely striking targets at long range — even in another continent."

Comments

UAV ? ICBM

[B5_geek]

UAV capable of reaching inter-continental target - check
UAV payload nuclear - check
UAV 'hard to hit' and/or find - check

Ladies and Gentleman; let me present to you your new ICBM replacement (and don't worry about treaties with the Russians, these qualify as airplanes not missles, so we are clear to rebuild our stockpiles!)

Re:SAMs?

[demonbug]

it has a 150-foot wingspan, will cruise at approximately 150 knots...

...and will only be deployed in places where Surface to Air Missiles are unavailable and the natives don't have radar.

So, pretty much all of the conflicts the U.S. and allies are currently embroiled in.

Re:Hydrogen

[Dynedain]

Actually it's probably more likely that making it hydrogen-based qualifies it for earmarked expenditures in Congressional appropriations.