Robot aircraft take to British skies - BBC News

Robot aircraft are to be tested in UK airspace to help refine systems that control autonomous planes. BAE said it would be carrying out 17 flights, using a converted Jetstream 31 capable of flying itself. Human pilots will handle take-off and landing, but the craft will be autonomous as it navigates 300 miles (482km) from Lancashire to Inverness. The trial will assess piloting software as well as sensor systems that monitor clouds and other aircraft. To pilot itself, the Jetstream aircraft will use data from satellites as well as on-board identification systems that log radio signals broadcast by transponders on other planes.