(Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Gagan)
Airbus, an aerospace company, unveiled a stealth drone called "Wingman" to help human fighter pilots in dangerous aerial combat missions.
Airbus' Wingman Unveiled
Airbus has revealed an autonomous stealth drone design to support fighter pilots in armed battle.
The prototype aircraft's full-scale model, known as "Wingman," will be on exhibit this week at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin.
According to Airbus, Wingman's duties will encompass everything from target jamming and reconnaissance to engaging in aerial or ground combat with adversaries.
A pilot who flies beside the formation leader is known as a "wingman" in aviation. During a mission, these pilots back each other up and encourage each other.
However, Airbus's new drone won't even have a pilot. Notwithstanding, the French aerospace company emphasized that the human combat pilot will always maintain complete control over their robotic ally.
It looks like the Wingman is about the same size as a fighter plane, in contrast to the agile drones that are now commonplace on the battlefield in Ukraine. All the capabilities of a manned fighter will be available to the drone but without the risk to human life. So it can be sent on riskier missions.
Although early in the process, Airbus advises pairing the Wingman with Germany's fourth-generation Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
"The German Air Force has expressed a clear need for an unmanned aircraft flying with and supporting missions of its manned fighter jets," said Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. "Our Wingman concept is the answer."
Wingman is now limited to a few stunning 3D models and a demonstration model, and it remains to be seen when it materializes. However, what's certain is that there will be more machines than humans on the battlefield in the future.
Drones To Improve Soldiers' Safety
Drones have several applications, including taking photos, surveilling an area, delivering medicines, and more. Another notable application of drones is in the military to keep soldiers safe.
In military operations, drones' primary functions are to provide real-time information, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). These military drones, outfitted with cutting-edge sensors and cameras, can explore hostile territory and provide insightful information without putting soldiers at risk.
These technologies, for example, can safeguard units operating at night. Drones, some of which have AI technology installed, can watch for possible threats while soldiers sleep.
The drone's AI integration allows it to identify and flag any questionable activity, eliminating the need for large-scale human surveillance teams and their associated labor costs.
In these situations, using drones also helps overcome the conventional difficulty of line-of-sight constraints. Because of their higher vantage point, they offer a wider field of view, which is essential in areas where man-made or natural impediments have historically obstructed line-of-sight.
This feature is particularly useful in urban warfare situations, where the view from the ground may be restricted by buildings and small streets.
One amazing thing about tethered drones is that they can fly for up to 50 hours. These systems never stop watching, which makes them ideal for extended operations.
When used for ISR missions, military drones improve ongoing surveillance, obtain crucial intelligence, and support military personnel. These methods are beneficial in difficult terrain or when napping at night.
Above all, the integration of drones into contemporary military tactics signifies a practical departure deeply ingrained in the necessity of ensuring soldiers' safety. In addition to lowering the direct risk to workers, these unmanned devices offer a more affordable option than sending human teams into hazardous situations.
It is impossible to overestimate how different the cost of human life is from that of machines. The irreplaceable loss of human lives outweighs the financial effect of a drone being lost in a failed mission.
Drones give military strategists real-time data and analytical insights while enabling them to evaluate risky scenarios from a safe distance. This allows commanders to assign the appropriate teams and resources to each unique task.
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