Northrop Grumman is making the Navy's newest experimental warplane, a carrier-ready UAV called the X-47B, shown here during structural stress tests at the company's facilities in Palmdale, Calif.
Are Pilots—Or Robots—The Future Of Naval Aviation? -- Popular Mechanics
America's aircraft carriers face fresh threats. But will the new breed of warplanes that meet those threats be flown by top Navy pilots, or will they be incredibly advanced autonomous UAVs? The dogfight for the future of navy flying is on.
For Ensign Kyndra Chitwood, learning how to fly blind is just part of becoming a U.S. naval aviator.
The 23-year-old strides across the flight line at Naval Air Station Whiting Field. Around her, dozens of orange and white T-34 Mentor training aircraft are lined up, fuselages gleaming in the Florida sun. Pairs of student—trainer teams in flightsuits are making their way to and from the aircraft. A formation flight of two T-34s cruises overhead, wingtip to wingtip.
Read more ....
My Comment: So .... are pilots—or robots—the future of naval aviation? Judging by the Navy's approach and plans for the future .... I would have to say robots are the future.