US Navy unveils unmanned drone squadron 'the magicians'
The US Navy has launched a squadron combining unmanned drones as well as manned aircraft, amid a national debate over the role of drones in warfare.
The Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 35, called the Magicians, is the first such unit.
It will have eight manned helicopters and 10 Fire Scout MQ-8B unmanned helicopters for tracking targets.
The Obama administration has expanded use of drones in counter-terrorism operations overseas.
At an inauguration ceremony at the Naval Air Station North Island at Coronado, California, Vice Adm David Buss said the new squadron "points toward the future for our naval aviation forces".
"The actions today represent a clear line dividing what naval aviation once was and what it will be," he said.
Over the summer the squadron's first task will be to undergo training and develop operational guidelines.
Squadron Cdr Christopher Hewlett, who will oversee about 140 sailors, said the drones would eventually be armed.
The Fire Scout drones are expected to operate from new littoral combat ships to be deployed to the Pacific next year.
The drones can be controlled by two "pilots" up to 110 miles (177km) away and fly for at least eight hours.
The less people have to die, the better, I suppose. Suppose the only real concern is the old "robot uprising" scenario; that or hackers. Either way, some regular people is probably good.
The dones may be controlled by humans (far away) but there is only so much you can see with cameras, nothing replaces the human instinct that is fuled by the adrenalin* and fear of being in the situation. So no drones are not better.
Having more drones will save many American live. However we have to make sure our government doesn't become super corrupt and kills innocent people with these drone.
I don't mind using drones actually. Although I hate violence, I see why it is necessary to use it. And hey, terrorists have killed thousands of Americans, so why can't we save some Americans lifes by using drones???
Having more drones will save many American lives. However we have to make sure our government doesn't become super corrupt and kills innocent people with these drone.
