The HCSAF have unveiled their latest UCAV, the RQ-1 which is the result of their UCAV-RX project. The RQ-1 is a highly stealthy reconnaissance drone capable of Mach 2.3 which will fill a definite gap in strategic reconnaissance in the HCSAF since the retirement of the RS-80 Spyder in the 2090s.
The RQ-1 will begin flight testing next year with a planned entry into service some time in the next decade. The HCSN have recently joined the project and are looking into the feasibility of a carrier borne version though will likely buy some of the type for shore based units anyway.
The HCSAF have been asked to see if the design could be adapted into a first strike bomber. A parallel UCAV-AX project was cancelled a couple of years ago as a cost issue.
