Computers Revolutionizes The Aviation Industry

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA - MARCH 20: A military man squats next to a UAV, or the unmanned aerial vehicle March 20, 2003 at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Computer automation has been responsible for the emergence of the UAV. UAVS are exceptionally stealthy and can linger over enemy territory for long periods of time. Not only can their computers "think" faster than any pilot, but they can outlast a pilot in, say, a stealthy manned vehicle, so are useful for gathering intelligence data. Also, if they come under fire, there is no risk to life and limb. With the Wright Brothers' historic flight celebrating its centennial in 2003, the world is now poised on the threshold of a new age in aviation, one where super-sonic jets refuel in flight, unmanned aerial vehicles track objects with astonishing accuracy, and airliners are maneuvered at times with minimal human participation. The computer age is about to revolutionize aviation and the United States is unquestionably ahead of the curve in this revolution. (Photo by Joe McNally/Getty Images)