New UAV?



http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/2393/mystery-uav-operating-in-afghanistan/

Mystery UAV operating in Afghanistan
April 10, 2009

Afghanistan maybe the testing ground for a new, advanced but as yet
undisclosed UCAV programme.

Pictures shown exclusively to Unmanned Vehicles magazine and taken at
an airbase in the war-torn country reveal a large flying wing-type
design, adopted by UCAV designers, but not yet seen on an operational
type.

The image shown in the link below has been drawn directly from the
photograph but none of the experts consulted by UV had any concrete
idea of what the system might be.

The image shown to UV was taken from a long distance, as the aircraft
taxied in on a hazy day, but the image was clear enough to show that
this UAV�s design is like no other UAV in current operational service.

Amongst the distinctive features of the type is the �fat� wing chord,
and a large central fuselage fairing. The aircraft engine nozzle is
the same half moon shape as the Lockheed P175 Pole Cat, but the wing
is not cranked on its trailing edge like the Pole Cat is.

The fuselage fairing could support a large squared off intake, but is
more likely to house a large satellite communications and sensor mix.
Two large blisters either side of the central fairing are likely to
the intakes for a single turbofan engine. These features probably
won�t help the aircraft�s radar cross-section, although this probably
isn�t important considering the theatre of operations in which it is
flying.

The large doors inboard of the main landing gear may be bomb bay
doors, indicating a strike capability for the type.

There are clearly the technological capabilities to build something
like this inside Northrop Grumman, Boeing or Lockheed Martin. Looking
at the shaping, our analyst said he would be inclined to think this
comes from either Northrop or Lockheed.

The shaping is also suggestive of UCAV concepts around the start of
the 2000s.There is a whole raft of wing design work that has gone on
since 2002 in terms of how the X-47B has evolved, and the sorts of
designs that Boeing was working with prior to the ending of that
effort.

An artist�s impression of the aircraft can be viewed by clicking here
[http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu344/shepgroup/UAV/
MysteryUAV.jpg].

By Darren Lake, Editor - Unmanned Vehicles