Just noticed. The X-47 actually does a control check while in tension. I don't know if that would be programed into the sequence or it was commanded by a human controller. I see a guy on deck next to the shooter. Still, it looks odd, an unmanned aircraft whiping out the cockpit.
NEVER "whip out" in the cockpit. My God, man, we have standards!
On a serious note…yeah, why? Probably a "head-nod" to what the CAT officer is used to seeing. Makes one wonder if there is also an "Otto Pilot" saluting arm to indicate "Ready for launch". Pretty long "full power run-up", so there's SOMETHING going on.
And what is LT Joe Bagadonuts (left side crouching) wearing?
Question: To whom does anyone suppose that that "historic..nay,
legendary... milestone setting, one-of-a-kind tail hook" used for the first trap will be "Awarded/Presented" to? Surely it's now "iconic", since every fart this program has made is supposed to be heard as Henry Mancini.
My educated guess: It WON'T be presented to the Tailhook Association…even though ADM Greenert is committed to be the banquet speaker at this year's "40th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming" (Vietnam POWs…) at the Tailhook Reunion in Reno. That would be WAAAY too cool…and funny.
Henry Mancini…wow…just dated myself. How about you guys replace that with Rihanna or whoever else is the flavor of your day? Pretty sure it will be someone I never listen to. Not that there's anything wrong with that.