Skynet’s HKs

Drone Will Get More Weapons for ‘Hunter-Killer’ Missions | WP | 3.22.05

The newest version of the Air Force’s Predator unpiloted aircraft will perform primarily “hunter-killer” missions, according to newly available Pentagon documents. …

The Predator B will be armed with as many as 3,000 pounds of precision-guided bombs or missiles and carry sensors that will allow it to automatically find, track and hit moving targets on the ground. …

The strategy calls for denying sanctuary to enemies such as terrorist groups in ungoverned territories within otherwise sovereign countries anywhere in the world. …

…”The aircraft is being designed primarily to prosecute critical emerging time-sensitive targets as a radar-based attack asset with on-board hard-kill capability.” The Predator B will fly at 50,000 feet, twice the altitude capable by its predecessor, and will carry seven times the munitions load. It will be able to stay aloft for more than 30 hours, covering targets hundreds of miles from its land base. …

It is reminiscent of Skynet’s HKs—but a necessary evolving capability considering the new types of enemies and not risking American lives.

Predator B

Predator