Warplanes: December 4, 2001

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The US Army will conduct a demonstration next year in which an AH-64D Longbow Apache will work with unmanned air and ground vehicles in support of ground troops in an urban environment. Soldiers on the ground will be able to watch television pictures from the unmanned vehicles. The Apache, using information from the unmanned aerial vehicles, will be able to control the unmanned ground vehicle and maneuver it into positions from which it could observe or launch an attack. The theory is that a helicopter, looking down on the battle area, might better control an unmanned ground vehicle. The RAH-66 Commanche (due in service in 2008) has the ability to control unmanned air and ground vehicles as part of its design specifications.--Stephen V Cole