Commuter Stealth

A friend of mine forwarded a recent article discussing methods of increasing the speed and maneuverability of unmanned aircraft. Using a bird model scientists are working to figure out how certain species of bird can rocket through dense forests at seemingly break-neck speeds. According to the studies, there is a bit of intuition involved and a similar process is employed by skiers who venture out of bounds.

As it turns out, a mathematician at MIT has developed an equation to determine this upper limit of speed in a crowded environment. Testing has started with both birds and humans to see if the mathematical model will hold up in practice. If so, drone aircraft will be developed that can fly through crowded environments, like cities filled with skyscrapers and densely wooded areas, at much higher speeds.

This is not the kind of information one needs to believe the end of war is in sight. Every time a new technical advantage like this is developed I think certain groups of people believe this will be the weapon to end armed conflict. Far more likely, however, is a certain group of people thinking, "I'm going to sell a million of these things!"

None of that scares me half as much as the thought of this technology being applied to automobiles. I can see it now: BMW and other high end auto makers offer an option with a uber alta price tag and a name like Automated Sight Single Handed Obliterative Lane Enhancement. Eventually, additional applications may become available for large trucks and SUV's, Driver Improved Controlled Kinetics Systems. Jerks in the morning commute will be lining up like crazy to option their new vehicles with the new ASSHOLE and DICKS technology that will enable them to drive like, well, like they do. Then again, maybe it will become required equipment much like seatbelts. Afterall: If you're going to drive like one you might as well do it safely.