Future of Naval Aviation and UAVs

[Cyprus21]

So, I've been thinking about this for a while. I'm a freshman in high school thinking of applying for the Academy in hopes of becoming a naval aviator. If I do get a letter back, I want to make sure this is the right decision. I heard the F-35 is going to be the last manned aircraft in the Navy. Is this true? If so, assuming I got accepted into the program, and passed, would I have more of a chance of getting assigned to a UAV rather than a fighter like the F-35? Or is that just for enlisted? If I do make it through, I want to make sure I get anything but a UAV, but I'm skeptical... Based on the influx of UAVs right now, and apparently the last manned aircraft for the Navy, what are my odds of not getting an unmanned vehicle? Anyone have an idea if by the time I graduate from the Academy (assuming I get in and graduate), I'll have a very high chance of getting assigned a UAV?

 

[gonavy14]

The military does use a lot of UAVs now, but manned aircraft aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

 

[MMA19kid]

So, I've been thinking about this for a while. I'm a freshman in high school thinking of applying for the Academy in hopes of becoming a naval aviator. If I do get a letter back, I want to make sure this is the right decision. I heard the F-35 is going to be the last manned aircraft in the Navy. Is this true? If so, assuming I got accepted into the program, and passed, would I have more of a chance of getting assigned to a UAV rather than a fighter like the F-35? Or is that just for enlisted? If I do make it through, I want to make sure I get anything but a UAV, but I'm skeptical... Based on the influx of UAVs right now, and apparently the last manned aircraft for the Navy, what are my odds of not getting an unmanned vehicle? Anyone have an idea if by the time I graduate from the Academy (assuming I get in and graduate), I'll have a very high chance of getting assigned a UAV?

Focus on getting in first. Who knows what things will look like 8 years down the line?

 

[BLUF]

All the services are looking for more pilots now. UAV are becoming prevalent. Most vehicles will be autonomous in the future. I am still putting my money on Jet Packs.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Way to early to worry about the future of manned aircraft. Even if F35 was the last aircraft (and it won't be), retirement is 20 years away. Bottom line, weapons systems evolve 0ver time..but there will always be a need for our military services, and those services will need leaders.

Yes, there is growing need for UAV pilots, and I would predict that ultimately the number of large deck carriers (and manned aircraft) will go down over time. As weapons systems get more effective, driving a carrier with 5000+ sailors into a high threat environment may not be prudent, but keep in mind, not all conflicts involve a high threat environment, and Navy has proven the importance of being able to project power anywhere on the globe to deal with lower intensity conflicts. Thus, I don't imagine the role of the carrier and manned aircraft will go away soon.

 

[NavyNOLA]

Just look at where the money is going. The Navy has invested major money in many new platforms over the last several years- P-8, E-2D, EA-18, F-35, etc. These platforms have service lives that will extended 30 years plus. Manned flight isn't going anywhere anytime soon.