Military technology

2 posts from DID that separately show the advances in technology and also how technology is limited.

Firstly, the QF-4:

"This is the first air-to-ground missile fired off an unmanned full-scale aerial target…. This test is an important part of the Det. 1 mission because it increases survivability of our Airmen going against (surface-to-air missile) threats. Furthermore, it's the first time the drone has been able to shoot back."

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/more-qf-4s-and-a-new-trick-for-old-dogs-04650/#more

Secondly, the A-10

The A-10 combines some of the best of today's high-technology Air Force with a solid, low-tech foundation. The addition of a targeting and laser-designation pod was a huge boost to the plane's capabilities, but still no substitute for the pilot's eyeballs.

"Most other aircraft rely heavily on (electronic) sensors to find and target the enemy," said Capt. Rick Mitchell, deployed here from the Air Force Reserve Command's 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. "In the A-10, it's not unusual for a pilot to use binoculars."

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/the-majors-email-british-harrier-support-in-afghanistan-revisited-02661

It all goes to show that while technology is wonderful, we should not be so lost in the sea of electrons that we forget the basics.

More importantly, this highlights a capability that the RSAF lost with the A-4, Close Air Support. With the increasing emphasis on urban combat for the infantryman, I certainly hope they have some UAVs that can actually cover my ass rather than just report my doom :P