Defense News
Boeing Files Patent For Variably Manned Aircraft
Flight Global (4/28, Croft) reported, "Boeing has filed for a US patent on an aircraft control system that could be configured for two, one or zero pilots." The unmanned "mode would receive input from a remotely located operator by way of wireless signals," according to the patent application. The article noted that "the...comprehensive system envisioned in the patent...would apply to civil and military systems, in part helping operators to reduce expenses." Boeing says the "system would provide for 'greater mission flexibility' by allowing the flight commander 'to choose the appropriate level of aircraft manning based on mission importance, difficulty or risk.'"
