"General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) has tested a podded gun on its Mojave short take-off and landing (STOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the company said in a 23 April release.
GA-ASI mounted two Dillon DAP-6 podded miniguns to the Mojave and tested the combination at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on 13 April. The Mojave performed seven gun-runs during two flights, expending around 10,000 rounds of ammunition against “a variety of targets”, according to GA-ASI. A video accompanying the release showed the UAV destroying a pickup truck."
I am not surprised given that the Army just canceled the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA). The FARA’s predecessor the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior was retired and supposed to be replaced by drones.
I thought that one of the advantages to a drone like the Predator was the ability to fly relatively high, undetected and with uber surveillance capabilities, and deliver a pinpoint strike with a Hellfire? Why fly low and take a chance on getting shot down?
I will abstain from mentioning the possibility of where these might be used in the future. :rolleyes: [wouldn’t be a good look lobbing high explosives into an American domicile]
I’m thinking a mini gun platform would be excellent in a close air support role. If a practical version with a large magazine capacity was developed that could be tasked by the troops under enemy fire a dozen or so that could be available short notice could really be a game changer.
Right now we are in the era of recon drones and single strike drones, offensive gunship drones are the logical next step.
Let’s say they fly at 250mph. Coming in low for a ground attack obviously makes them vulnerable to ground fire, with an Apache only edging it out by a little speed-wise. At 10K feet with several Hellfires on board it is a very survivable aerial “sniper platform” able to deliver a 20lb high-explosive warhead right on top of a bad guy’s head.
Now for anti-drone use? I dunno, we’re in unchartered waters as far as that’s concerned. I have no doubt that’s where the technology is headed, but at this time it’s theory.
If they had a minigun mounted on a smaller “zip around” drone, and not a larger Predator-sized one, it might make more sense for ground support. Of course the mechanics/engineering to get a small drone to accommodate a 7.62 minigun is way beyond my non-existent design skills but I’m sure they’re working on it.
Think of it as an unmanned version of the Sky Warden, only belonging to an Infantry BDE CDR, DIV CDR or CAB CDR. Lower cost, lighter weight lower level command authorities. Plus, 7.62mm is alot lighter, cheaper and easier to make then Hellfires.
There is a major push to use less manned aircraft and more drones. So this could be a step to replace manned aircraft in the CAS role.
However, the tested drone hasn’t been purchased by anyone yet.
That’s my question. I’d worry about the drones being good for a single run, and that’s it. Good CAS needs the ability to loiter, and make repeated runs if the intended targets don’t oblige you and fall over after the first one.
Google says that a SUU-11/A gun pod holds 1,500 rounds and can be set to 2,000-6,000 RPM. By comparison the A-10 carries 1,350 and shoots at 3,900 RPM.
I watched the video. Unfortunately, they stuffed the truck with what looks like tannerite so it just immediately explodes. I’d like to see what kind of beaten zone this thing is creating.