Henry J Cobb wrote:
Paul J. Adam wrote:
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/cl289/

gets you a jet-propelled UAV that's been in service for some time.

They're unusual - for most applications a prop seems to give better
endurance-range-speed tradeoffs - but not totally unheard of.

Props are more efficient at low speeds and low altitudes.

The Pentagon is still buying turboprop transports after all.

http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hercules/

-HJC
Perhaps, and if the Iranians or *other* future US Navy oponent wanted
to use UAVs soley for Transport/ Recon / and on call CAS then they will
probably be prop driven. However if speed, stealth and ability to
successfully strike US Naval forces is a design goal, then other forms
of propolsion are likely. Since many jets are built for civilian
markets and turbofans come in many sizes for smaller RC type aircraft,
it is certainly not unreasonable to expect to see them experimented
with by interested third parties.
PAIN
P.S. Before you try, I did not say either was a best option, only that
they are options, therefore muting the "prop makes big radar returns"
comment. Thank you, fly your Vulture selves elsewhere.