Technology

Glimpses of the future of aerial combat can be seen in Afghanistan. Remote control unmanned aircraft are being used to hunt for insurgents and bomb targeted areas according to a recent CNN article. These fighter-bomber aircraft called UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, are being operated from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. Pilots and operators of these planes never have to leave the command center.

This way of aerial warfare is without a doubt much safer than traditionally operated aircraft. There is no question a pilot would rather bomb a target via remote control from the United States rather than physically fly over Afghanistan and potentially end up being shot down in battle. It could also offer pilots a more routine and flexible work day. They are able to work from a secure location, keep regular hours, and be at their best for every “flight”.

“Seeing bad guys on the screen and watching them possibly get dispatched, and then going down to the Taco Bell for lunch, it’s kind of surreal,” Captain Matt Dean told CNN.

This Air Force video shows one of the new UAVs, the Reaper, in action.

The original UAV aircraft was the “Predator.” Then the Reaper was developed, which can carry four times the fire power as the Predator. Reaper pilots and operators have been prolific Afghanistan operations, dropping seven 500-lb. bombs and launching 64 missiles, according to CNN. According to FAS.org, the United States Navy has studied the possibility of operating UAVs since the early 1960s. The web site says that high costs and technological immaturity have “precluded acquiring and fielding operational UAV systems.” However, the success of the Reaper in Afghanistan may change minds and budget allocations.

With the convenience and safety for pilots that the Reaper offers, there is a high demand for the aircraft from commanders, but there aren’t enough for every command. That is all likely to change though. Reapers have been flying only two separate round-the-clock shifts over Afghanistan for the past year, but now the Air Force is looking to allocate more money in its budget to purchasing many more remote-control aircraft just like the Reaper.

It seems as though the success of UAVs might change the nature of air operations in future warfare. These high-tech planes could save not only the lives of U.S. soldiers, but also those of civilians on the ground. By removing pilots from immediate danger, it’s possible for them to think under pressure and act more deliberately when their plane is under fire.

So far, the remote control UAVs such as the Reaper have made it a safer and more accommodating experience for those who operate the aircraft. But now as we look toward the future, the safety and security of American pilots lives might not even be an issue with these types of aircraft. Just like with any other new technology, these aircraft must be used carefully and for the right reasons. The more the United States uses these UAVs, the more other nations will feel the need to make plans to do the same.

By Chris White