CNN review the ultimate UAV - a supersonic subsonic loitering predator that can shift shape , accelerate to supersonic speed deliver a fatal load and disappear as fast.The capacity of the DOD and Darpa to come up with these fanciful "toys for the Boys" is endless - now it's the Northrop Grumman to get US$10.3 Mn to produce a detailed blueprint by November 2007 for the excitingly named "Switchblade". A flying test vehicle is due about four years later.
Darpa says, a 40-foot-wingspan demonstration model could be ready by 2010, and a full-size Switchblade should be available for service by 2020. No doubt models made in China will be available RSN.
Ooops! Don't confuse this with Aeronvironment Inc's lightweight SUAV "Switchblade" which weighs about as much as a bird.
Just the thing for taking out that pesky Taepodong missile sitting on the launch pad in North Korea ?
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