Read the forum code of contact
By: - 10th May 2012 at 21:10 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
I like the idea, but it would seem the several prototypes the US are working are extensively delayed. Originally designed to be deployed in Afghanistan, the conflict may be over by the time they arrive.
By: - 10th May 2012 at 21:52 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Most of those hybrid airships will be de-funded as a result of Obama's panic abandonment of Afghanistan due to the US elections in November. There simply isn't a need for low, slow, huge, quasi-persistent in a permissive environment ISR outside Afghanistan.
The only airship which might survive is HALE-D, which is a demonstrator for what will become an AWACs replacement.
Posts: 1,518
By: jbritchford - 10th May 2012 at 10:07
Following this story:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/9079047/21st-century-airships-may-join-Navy-fleet.html
I've already read that these systems are being developed for US forces as a long endurance recon UAV, with the option to be manned if necessary.
Obviously these are only suitable for low or no threat environments, but is this technology worth pursuing?