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keiichi asked in Politics & GovernmentMilitary · 1 decade ago

Why has the Air Force decide not to continue with the X-45 project?

UAVs are the future, why would the Airforce bail?

Update:

crazyhorse - That is extremely incorrect. Unmanned fighters cost 1/3 of a normal fighter and the X-45

had already performed mock battle simulations and real time battle flights with live ordnance when the project was scrubbed which makes no sense.

Update 2:

M1A1 - you are also incorrect.

The Air Force’s new unmanned combat aerial vehicle—the Boeing X-45—is expected to take over suppression of enemy air defenses and electronic attack missions. - Gen. Hal M. Hornburg, commander of Air Combat Command

3 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    When budget is a limited resource, you keep the projects which are going to yield the best return the fastest. Getting the X-45 operational in 25 years is currently not as important as getting the F-22 and FA-35 operation in the next few years.

    Besides, current UAV platforms can be upgraded at a cheaper cost for a more immediate benefit to our fielded troops.

    Source(s): AF Officer
  • 1 decade ago

    The X-45 was developed as a research aircraft only. It was never intended for use in combat.

    The design was intended to test the capabilities of the technology.

  • 1 decade ago

    Probably too expensive, and the technology is not where it needs to be in order for it to be effective on the battlefield.

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