US Air Force Confirms New Stealth Aircraft

DesScorp writes "Aviation Week reports that the USAF has confirmed the existence of a new, formerly secret stealth aircraft, designated RQ-170 Sentinel, developed at Lockheed's legendary Skunk Works. Rumors of a secret new jet have been flying since 2007, with longtime aviation journalist Bill Sweetman dubbing the possible aircraft 'The Beast of Kandahar' because of the urban legend-like reports from Afghanistan. The aircraft is a UAV, a pilot-less drone that appears to have some kind of reconnaissance-only mission for the time being. It's a tailless flying wing that resembles a fighter-sized B-2 bomber."

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[afabbro]

Looks like U.S. military is already at least 1, if not 2 generations ahead of its allies. Besides, its enemies still have WWII-level technologies.

Does it really need to spend so much billions on finding -yet- more advanced stealth technology?

Are you volunteering to fly missions?

Yes, the military complex creates jobs, but there are jobs in OTHER SECTORS as well, which imho are more beneficial to the overall well being of human civilization.

There is nothing as beneficial to mankind as Pax Americana.

Heh.

[Anonymous Coward]

I bet it swoops overhead and downloads child porn to the hard drives of terrorists.
They have no idea what they're in for.

That's a pretty easy thing to confirm

[Anonymous Coward]

"Oh yeah, we've got a new stealth aircraft. Check out these pictures. What? Can't see it? Oh, that's right... it's impossible to photograph! Booyah!"

Dinochrome Brigade

[rshol]

"Also, rumors about similar tanks are in the works... that are so overengineered that they tried to break it and couldn't (experimental model)." I for one welcome the arrival of the Bolos.

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[lukas84]

I'd like to see some pictures of gorilla warfare. Are these mechanized or trained Gorillas?

Photo

[rlp]

Here's a picture [wikimedia.org] of five of them in action.

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[rhsanborn]

Thank you. Guerilla. Although an army of trained silverbacks would be pretty sweet.

never seen this before...

[the3stars]

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&safe=off&um=1&sa=1&q=RQ-170+Sentinel&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=g10&start=0 [google.com] wtf.....

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[UnknowingFool]

Depends if you mean European Gorillas or the much larger African Gorillas. Of the course the African ones are non-migratory.

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[Anonymous Coward]

Russia seems to think Boeing 747s are military aircraft too.

A very good reason to fly Tupolev.

Re:top secret

[pckl300]

Any ideas on why they need such a secret and stealthy UAV in Afghanistan for?

I'm pretty sure we're looking for someone in Afghanistan. I think his name is Waldo.

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[LeperPuppet]

I've seen some advanced military simulations showing the effects of Godzilla warfare on Tokyo. Godzilla warfare is truly the greatest threat to western nations in the 21st century.

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[Glonoinha]

If he runs, he's Taliban.
If he doesn't run, he's well disciplined Taliban.

Re:Here you go

[riker1384]

If you want more information on that plane, you should read the book "Horten flies a Ho."

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[Kagura]

Whereas UAV pilots cower in bunkers on another continent - so very brave.

Thank you. Personally, I only go to battle wearing a bright red jacket and blue pants carrying a balloon above me for higher visibility. It's the only honorable thing to do.

Re:top secret

[Anonymous Coward]

Afghanistan is near to Iran, Pakistan and China, far more useful testing grounds.

Here's a picture [wikimedia.org] of five of them in action.

Re:Is it really that necessary?

[Higgs_Bozon]

In other words you do not look any different than anyone else