Originally Posted by
Elvis90
Global Hawk was supposed to replace the U-2 about 5 years ago...needless to say U-2s are still flying (at least they were when I retired a few months ago...).
Reliability will have to be proven first to equal the current level of safety expected. Finally consumers will have to get over their fear of the human element being removed. Do this technology with cars, trains & buses first in 2-D before graduating to 3-D in an airline.
Your absolutely right, it will take time. That's why I say we won't see it but our kids and grand kids will. Future generations will be more comfortable with computers and technology running more and more aspects of their lives. The military will lead the way, the cargo carriers will be the first to try it and eventually the pax carriers will follow.
Last report I heard was that the USAF already makes more RPV pilots than fighter pilots per year. Kids right off street get commissions and are sent to RPV school at RAFB, no UPT.