Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

WASHINGTON _ Sen. Jack Reed prodded top Navy officials Tuesday to look into the possibility of launching robot aircraft from submerged submarines.

Given the recognized value of unmanned aerial vehicles and of unmanned vessels, currently under develpoment by the Navy, Reed asked at a Navy budget hearing about the possibility of launching ``UAVs'' from below the ocean's surface.

Assistant Navy Secretary Sean Stackley, while acknowledging the military's need to take the lead on developing all sorts of unmanned fighting and spying vehicles ``under, on or over the sea,'' said, ``we haven't been approached'' to develop a sub-launched, unmanned aerial vehicle.''

``I guess I'll take credit for imagination,'' Reed replied with a laugh.

Reed explained later that, although there's no money for such a program in President Obama's 2011 defense budget request, there has been some research into the possibility. He also noted the submarine fleet's mastery of submerged missile launches -- features of the Persian Gulf War and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He said it was worthwhile to put his interest in the subject on the record with Navy brass.

 Tags  Jack Reed Navy

Comments

David said:

Dear Jack, you have way too much free time on your hands. Getting married apparently didn't help. How about a hobby? You could always pal around with Patrick, oh, when he gets out of rehab.(again)

Link | June 16, 2009 5:23 PM
Report Abuse

---

EMT said:

The Obama money fever is contagious, apparently.

Link | June 16, 2009 6:06 PM
Report Abuse

---

FLSTF said:

Apparently Sen. Reed doesn't READ much. I believe this technology already exists.

Unless, of course, he's pulling an "Al Gore" who said he "created teh internets". LOL!

Link | June 17, 2009 10:22 AM
Report Abuse

---

Leave a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.