Breakthrough takes pilots for a loop

BAE Systems, in conjunction with Cranfield Aerospace and Cranfield University, executed an entire flight without human intervention in a BAE Systems Jetstream 31 turboprop. The event was the first “unmanned” flight with a flight crew onboard. “To comply with current aviation regulations, the Jetstream is a ‘surrogate UAV,’ meaning that it always has aircrew on board,” said Nick Colosimo, program manager with BAE Systems. The special-modified Jetstream turboprop twin appears on the Farnborough static display.