Imagine being able to deploy a remotely controllable squadron of unmanned planes (drones) that can view the activity on the ground from 10,000 feet or higher with incredible clarity, day or night.
These planes are able to remain aloft and stationary for up to 24 hours at a time, and at that height, are virtually invisible and make no noise.
Not merely eyes in the sky, these drones can fire laser-controlled 500 pound bombs, all directed from a central command center thousands of miles away.
You can see how such an approach would change the game, militarily speaking.
But while it all sounds like science fiction, would it surprise you to know that next year is actually going to be the first time that we (the United States Air Force) are buying more of these unmanned planes (known an Predator and Reaper) than manned ones? Blew my mind.
Surreal, but real. Watch the video below from ‘Drones: America's New Air Force’ (on Sunday’s '60 Minutes'), and see for yourself.
Excerpt: From 10,000 feet above, the Predator was able to zoom in and send back a very precise image of Logan and the 60 Minutes team standing on the grounds of Creech Air Force Base. The Predator couldn't be heard or seen by the team, even though they knew the exact whereabouts of the drone. The Predator's camera even followed the 60 Minutes team as they drove off the base's flight line. It's this ability that makes it difficult for enemy fighters to escape.
