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Here is the problem, though. A UCAS exists right now which could 'probably' be retrofitted to provide ISR capability and was sized for 2 x 2000lb JDAM. This option exists for constrained budgets and short timelines.But, if you want to build a tanker UCAS, that requires building one which has 20k lbs of fuel at least(!) plus additional fuel to operate at range. This will have to be a huge airplane, significantly larger than what exists right now. I don't understand how building a much larger UCAS is going to be cheaper then operationalizing the X-47B.More generally, does any UCAS have 20k lbs store capability? Or is this carrier tanker project the most ambitious UAV project to date? I just don't get how a carrier tanker is going to be cheaper and faster than operationalizing the X-47B.
Here is the problem, though. A UCAS exists right now which could 'probably' be retrofitted to provide ISR capability and was sized for 2 x 2000lb JDAM. This option exists for constrained budgets and short timelines.
But, if you want to build a tanker UCAS, that requires building one which has 20k lbs of fuel at least(!) plus additional fuel to operate at range. This will have to be a huge airplane, significantly larger than what exists right now. I don't understand how building a much larger UCAS is going to be cheaper then operationalizing the X-47B.
More generally, does any UCAS have 20k lbs store capability? Or is this carrier tanker project the most ambitious UAV project to date? I just don't get how a carrier tanker is going to be cheaper and faster than operationalizing the X-47B.
