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" The Fire Scout is arguably the smartest unmanned aerial vehicle ever built. Unlike remote-operated drones such as the Predator, this helicopter is a true robot, with enough computing power to take off, fly and land on its own. Last year a pair of test Scouts made history, landing on the deck of a moving ship without help from human pilots. Slated for use by the Army and Navy, the chopper is undergoing flight tests, but this on-schedule and on-budget UAV could be ready to gather intel and relay targeting data as early as 2008. While the Navy coyly describes it as &amp;quot;weapons-capable,&amp;quot; firing a barrage of rockets would call for human control -- for now. FIRE SCOUT SPECS Autonomous Control: The Fire Scout can fly unaided for more than 8 hours, then land on the ground or on a warship. Modular Payload: The 23-ft.-long unmanned chopper can carry up to 600 pounds of equipment, such as sensors, mine detectors and rockets. Proven Airframe: The UAV&amp;#039;s airframe is based on the Schweizer Model 333, a manned helicopter used by police agencies around the country. PLUS: Civilian UAVs Guard the Border, Assist Law Enforcement and Track Hurricanes RESIDENT ROBOTICIST: How Robots Survive in Space The UAV during a test at Webster Field in Maryland on Dec. 18, 2006. It can fly as high has 20,000 ft., and faster than 125 knots. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.popularmechanics.com/flight/drones/a1434/4213071/>