Singapore - As you fasten your seat-belt a "welcome aboard" announcement is made by a computer - because there is no captain.
While plane designers dream of a high-tech future, the aerospace industry is debating whether it will become feasible to fly passengers without pilots.
Computers already play a major role in flying many jetliners. They have the capability of carrying out take-offs. And, they are routinely relied upon during long-range cruising. In good weather they often land planes - but always with a human crew ready to take over.
Industry experts on Friday said pilotless commercial flights are unlikely any time soon. But they acknowledge that the idea has gained greater currency after the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, successfully undertook reconnaissance, electronic jamming and ground attacks in both conflicts.
Continues Below ↓
In good weather they often land planes In line with this trend, UAVs are taking centre stage at a major international air exhibition for the first time. Dozens of the quirky-looking spy planes are on display at this week's Asian Aerospace show in Singapore.
This year, Asian Aerospace's flying display didn't open with the usual roar of jet fighters - but with the barely audible buzz of a robotic drone plane.
Several UAV manufacturers say their technologies could eventually replace commercial airline pilots.
Possibilities include preprogrammed flights and a single human pilot sitting in front of a computer screen controlling several aircraft from a base thousands of kilometres away.
"Of course it can be done," said Haim Kellerman, vice president of the UAV programme at Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems. "There is nothing inherently different between (manned and unmanned) aircraft in terms of aerodynamics."
"It is only a question of whether there is a will to do it or not."
For the military, UAVs have the obvious advantage of keeping people out of harm's way.
Continues...
|
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Digg
Delicious
Newsvine
Facebook
muti
Twitter
