Massive new attack drone under development in Russia

[Fred Zed]

http://www.livescience.com/40222-russia-attack-drone.html
Russia is developing a new 20-ton attack drone that may be used to carry out strikes on stationary and moving targets over land and sea, according to news reports.

Sukhoi, a Russian aircraft manufacturer, is building the massive drone, whose prototype could be ready by 2018, reported Pravda, a political Russian newspaper based in Moscow. The specific capabilities of the new vehicles have not been discussed publicly, but are expected to rival similar American attack drones.

The developments signal Russia's commitment to establishing a strong drone program, Russian officials said.

 

[nottyboi]

Bah the Global Hawk and American drone is already 16 tons.

 

[danmand]

It cannot possibly be as good as the american drones, because the americans are the most powerful and advanced bla bla bla

 

[George The Curious]

Why do we need drones? Are human pilots cheap enough?

 

[nottyboi]

Why do we need drones? Are human pilots cheap enough?

Humans need to eat, sleep, shit and piss. That is a big problem when you want your drone on a 4-5 day mission.

 

[nottyboi]

It cannot possibly be as good as the american drones, because the americans are the most powerful and advanced bla bla bla

It could be better, but the size is not a big deal, that is all. 20 tons is not a big plane. Current heavy fighters are approaching 40 to 50 tons fully loaded.

 

[onthebottom]

It cannot possibly be as good as the american drones, because the americans are the most powerful and advanced bla bla bla

And apparently quicker to deploy... 2018 - LOL