Well Boeing might have sent an unmanned civilized aircraft system up into the stars, but it’s getting a companion from the Britain’s Ministry of Defense, and the companion is a serious business. What’s more, this companion named Taranis is able to strongly deliver a blast to the party.

BAE has completed developing the Taranis, and is ready to show it off to the whole world. The Taranis is an unmanned combat aircraft, unlike a Predator drone that’s only suitable for use if the airspace is under remote control. Auto cruise control space ride anyone Star Wars style anyone?

The Ministry of Defence has stated that the Taranis has “more than a million man hours” under its sleeves, and is ready for its first flight trial, which will commence early next year. A strong statement has also been made too, that “unmanned” doesn’t mean autonomous – “should such systems enter into service, they will at all times be under the control of highly trained military crews on the ground.”

[BAE via Engadget]