A step too Far ??

Found this on Flying Giants personally I think it's a step way too far :-



http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=51515

http://www.troybuiltmodels.com/items...THLON-UAV.html
TBM DECATHLON as an UAV unmanned aerial vehicle or RPV remotely piloted vehicle
TBM can customize the Decathlon to meet specific needs for UAV (RPV) use. Please contact Gene at (941) 342-8685 or at president@troybuiltmodels.com with your specific requirements. We have a wide variety of equipment available for autonomous flight period.

OVERVIEW
The TBM Decathlon UAV has the main advantage of being able to carry a very large payload at a reasonable cost compared to smaller airframes. With a 15’ wingspan, and sturdy construction, a payload of 50 lbs is available. This payload can be split between onboard fuel capacity, instrumentation, reconnaissance equipment, and weapons.

RANGE
There are 2 suggested powerplants for the Decathlon depending on climb rate requirements. The standard 160cc UAV engine with optional electric starter is more economical. With the standard 101 oz tank, at cruising speed, the range is 40 miles. The larger 210cc engine (with optional electric starter) has a range of 30 miles at a higher cruising speed. Larger fuel tanks or additional fuel tanks are available to increase on-station times and range to 400 miles.

POWERPLANTS
The standard powerplant for the Decathlon-UAV is the ZDZ-160-UAV. It is a 160cc 2-stroke gasoline engine with spark advanced ignition. A variety of mufflers are available. This engine requires a choke for starting. An electric starter is optional. The electric starter weighs 3 lbs and requires a stand alone battery. The engine can be hand started fairly easily. This engine has been designed for long term usage.
A wide variety of alternative gasoline engines are available. Electric power is possible, but has not been evaluated in this airframe.

PAYLOAD
The available payload is 50 lbs. Provisions as to the placement of the payload must be taken into account. Payload can be internally and externally mounted. Under wing pylons can be installed to accommodate a variety of payloads. The wings are reinforced to accommodate ordnance (missiles, rockets, gas canisters, firearms, etc.) or reconnaissance equipment of up to 10 lbs per wing. The rudder servo and fuel cells can be relocated to accommodate internal payloads of up to 13” x 33” x 22” in size.

SERVICABILITY
Typical replacement parts are spinners, propellers, landing gear, tires and batteries. These components are readily available. The engine, fuselage, wings, and other major components are also generally available.

COLOR SCHEME
Any color scheme is available. Most common is the low visibility grey and a grey camouflage scheme. For training purposes, a high visibility scheme is available.

ONBOARD GENERATOR
Generators are available for the gasoline powerplants to supply electrical power to onboard systems to reduce the battery capacity required.

GPS
GPS navigation is available which is adaptable to the Decathlon. The vehicle can be programmed to targeted waypoints for autonomous flight.

RPV
RPV (remotely piloted vehicle) systems are available which are adaptable to the Decathlon. This allows piloting over the horizon.

AUTOPILOT/AUTORECOVERY
Autopilot system is available which is adaptable to the Decathlon. It combines GPS, inertial measurements for six degrees of freedom, barometer and magnetometer. It allows recovery of the aircraft should the plane lose other signals. The plane can be stabilized and return to a pre-designated area for recovery.

FPV
First Person View is available which is adaptable to the Decathlon. Using OSD (on-screen displays) using a computer monitor, or glasses can be used to navigate the Decathlon thousands of yards away.

TAKEOFF
We are working on an autopilot system to automatically takeoff the aircraft. There are some available today which may be capable of taking of the Decathlon with a large payload. Typical take off requires a flat surface of 40 yards or more depending on payload.

LANDING
We are working on a autopilot system to automatically land the aircraft. There are some available today, though they are not capable of landing the Decathlon with a large payload. The flight systems can return the aircraft to a designated area for an experienced RC pilot to control for landing. A flat runway of 150 yards or more is recommended.
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The link doesnt work...
But it sounds cool!