Why in the blue blazes do Model Aeroplanes (Airplanes to you Americans) cost the MILITARY so much???
Give me $2000 and I'll give you a model that can fly for 4 hrs giving video colour imaging live from an altitude of around 5ooo feet.
Give me $20000 and I'll double the duration AND include infra-red.
Why do UAV's cost GAZILLIONS and take years to develop?
Make 'em cheap, make 'em disposable and make lots of 'em.

Australia (I'm Aussie) has just pulled out of the BAMS/Global Hawk Project (03MAR09). We were signed up for 12 (yes TWELVE only) and they were going to cost US$BILLIONS!

Now "fair suck of the sav" - how could 12 oversized oversized MODEL Aircraft cost US$BILLIONS???

Please explain???????? Who the F#$% flies these things? ASTRONAUTS?? PHD's???

If a UAV Operator shoots down 5 enemy UAV's does he join the exhalted ranks of Fighter ACES?

Would a UAV Operator be awarded an Air Medal for "Managing to return his UAV to base despite constant attacks by 'enemy' Eagles"???