Boeing just patented a drone that can fly forever

a reply to: Legman

Barring an electric motor, which is still not really efficient for larger platforms, everything eventually has to land. The oil in the engine is only going to last so long before it needs some added or changing.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Legman

Barring an electric motor, which is still not really efficient for larger platforms, everything eventually has to land. The oil in the engine is only going to last so long before it needs some added or changing.

Um thanks?

No one kick ass without gas. Being able to restock your little army of flying machines while on the move makes a lot of economical sense, in which ever application they are applied.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Well...

It seems like I wasn't that far of after all

Microwave power for shuttle

It's the perfect platform for mass surveillance. Slow moving (Can basically loiter in one spot without doing a bunch of circles or whatever). Low energy consumption. Should be able to carry more than enough of a payload for all sorts of crazy spy gear. The latest technology makes this kind of thing a pretty sobering thought.

originally posted by: purplemer
a reply to: Hefficide

Yes they could be used in postive ways i wonder how long it will be before we see the first drone to drone warfare..

I'd prefer that to armies blowing up infrastructures & poor people all because some politicians & rich people don't like each other. Then they can take it all the way & have mega large mechas fighting each other & the winning side "wins" the war.

As for the OP: The ramifications of this can be huge if it's usable with cheap drones (especially cheap & quiet drones).