SLCPilot From United States, joined Aug 2003, 356 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 7244 times:
This aircraft may be a missing link to the Tier 3 program of several years ago, and the plane sighted by U-2 crews during Gulf War 2. I can understand why the manned community may feel threatened by this vehicle. It is an indication of the nomenclature used by Lockheed for their projects.
It also looks like a hybrid B-2/Darkstar with two engines. The article suggests low boom, supersonic flight in the same breath, so I infer the sweep angle may be greater than what the picture suggests.
I'll be interested to see how many references to this aircraft were in front of us but not recognized by us not "in the know".
As always, here's a challange to everyone out there to reveal an aircraft not already known to the public, and have their reference backed up in the future when it is shown for the first time!
Cheers!
SLCPilot
I don't like to be fueled by anger, I don't like to be fooled by lust...
Okelleynyc From United States, joined Feb 2006, 219 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 7219 times:
Here's some more details from AWST....
Fair use excerpt:
Quote: Lockheed Martin's twin-engine, 90-ft. wingspan UAV has performed two flights below 15,000 ft. However, the tail-less "Horton" flying wing design -- similar to that of the B-2. Flight testing of the so-called Polecat is expected to reach increasingly higher altitudes this summer.
The company designed the single prototype for about $27 million and officials say it has not led to a production vehicle.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, the rapid prototyping arm of the military aircraft making giant, began designing the UAV in March 2003 and had it ready for first flight 18 months later. Program officials say an unusually rainy season at the Nellis Test Range forced them to slow their flight plans.
The UAV can carry 1,000 lbs. of weapons or sensors in a bay on the underbelly of the aircraft. Gross takeoff weight is 9,000 lbs.
Lumberton From United States, joined Jul 2005, 3549 posts, RR: 13 Reply 4, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 7195 times:
Quoting Okelleynyc (Reply 3): The company designed the single prototype for about $27 million and officials say it has not led to a production vehicle.
$27 Million! IMO, this is the greatest threat to manned combat vehicles.
"When all is said and done, more will be said than done".
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