"Tarver Engineering" wrote...

If anything, remote-controlled CAS platforms will increase blue-on-blue,
and they will likely be MORE vulnerable to defenses.

Right now a RPG in the flight deck takes out a rotary wing, so effectively
that the commanche is toast. Perhaps you would like to rethink your
supposition.

No need to rethink on that scenario.

An RPG is relatively slow and emits a significant smoke trail. It is also
unguided, so evasion is probable if it is seen soon enough.

There are at least 2 sets of eyeballs in virtually every helo in the battle
field, significantly increasing the probability of early detection of an
incoming RPG. With a UAV, the primary "eyes" are likely focused straight ahead
or on the primary target, with little or no secondary lookout. Also, the
quality of evasive tactics IF the RPG is sighted will be significantly less
without any "seat of the pants" feel for the aircraft.


You mean the guy on the ground running a gameboy? Designating targets and
controlling the agressiveness mode is the extent of the operator's
authority.

Are defensive tactics beyond that operator's "authority"? If so, the value of
the UAV just decreased substantially!

What is an "agressiveness mode" and how is it controlled?