Why would this UAV have a recessed view pane?

Factual Questions
1

In this photo of an X-47B UAV being launched from a carrier, the windshield is recessed. Wouldn’t this be inefficient aerodynamically right off the bat?

http://news.yahoo.com/navy-launches-unmanned-aircraft-carrier-190745358.html

I know that ballistic and ABM missiles expose their IR and other optical units post-boost phase, but the speeds here are obviously smaller.

*I just realized that the word “drone” has replaced UAV in the public lexicon, if “UAV” ever was there. It’s a shame, because I’d think “drone” would be better than the coming unmanned attack aircraft ( although this one apparently is on its way, unless that’s PR/disinformation.

Actually, I think it would be an interesting etymological project.

2

What windshield? If you’re talking about the trangularish opening above the nose, that’s the air intake for the engine.

3

Yeah, intake. I also hasten to add that that thing is pretty badass in a scary, uncomfortable way. I’m envisioning hordes of these things being unleashed on all manner of unsuspecting people while we continue to be ever more detached emotionally from engaging in warfare.

4

I’m pretty sure that’s not a windshield. It’s the engine intake. It looks like a windshield because of perspective: The curve that looks like the surface is actually the curvature of the far edge of the inlet, and the “reflection glint” is the shadow transition from the sun-illuminated inner surface and the shaded inner surface (shaded by that same far edge of the inlet).

This image shows this from a better angle.

Looking at it, I wonder if there may be some type of airflow-permeable radar absorber/deflector across the inlet.

5

Verdict: I’m a jerk. I really should have a longer think-to-post period longer than two seconds.

No need for forward-facing window. :smack: That’s the “U” part.

6

It’s so the squirrels that power the onboard computer have a nice view.

7

Actually, looking at that thing, where are its recon/optical pods?

I know it’s testing flight takeoff and landing and is not operational for missions, but no operator at all is about looking through something? Barring that, GPS, or what? I can’t believe landing on a choppy flight deck can be done with GPS and radar/beacons but the DOD is smart when it wants to be.
ETA: Other thread on the bird merge ahead…

8

There often is some sort of screen over the engine air inlet on stealth aircraft. Those spinning turbine blades in a jet engine can reflect radar.