Unmanned Cargo Airplanes for the Air Force?

[46Driver]

Just saw this in www.aviationnow.com The Air Force is studying the concept of very large UAV's to carry 100,000 to 160,000 lbs cargo loads. Flying in groups of 3 behind a "mothership" C-17, they would be cheaper and reduce manpower requirements (i.e., less pilots) Looks like the UAV's might be taking over sooner then expected...

Also, on a separate note, did anybody see the concept of the Boeing "Pelican"? A monstrous flying boat capable of hauling more than 10 Abrams tanks, the trick is that it is actually a ground effect aircraft. Interesting times...

 

[perchul]

I've seen the Pelican in Popsci and I believe it got a boost from russian ingenuity because the russians built things similar call agroplanes or something to that effect that used ground effect. The intention was to attack the eastern seaboard with these things but they kept crashing,

 

[Banjo33]

Jesus, that things huge! 100 yards long and wingspan over an acre AND carries 17 M1's at 20 feet above the water! But, what about high seas? Neat concept but leaves a lot of questions and what-if's. Anyone seen this anywhere else with more info?

 

[Zeo]

seems like putting all your eggs in one basket to me. If that thing goes down fully loaded, it'll be one hell of a mess.

 

[Daedalus]

The Russians built several models during the cold war, it was called the Ikronoplan, I don't know about the spelling. It used ground effect, and was massive, but was never put into production. One is for sale in Russia, for whatever it's worth.

 

[Daedalus]

http://foxxaero.homestead.com/nslink3.html a pic of it from the link provided by SteveDembkowski

 

[Av Fan]

There has been talk of the Air Force finally implementing a Warrant Officer rank and having them fly the UAV stuff. Similar to how the Army has them flying helos.