manual control by the ground operator
So why is there someone sitting in it?
Is that person optional cargo or was the correct stock-photo image just not available :)
The deadline for makers to bring forward unmanned skyhook robocopters - intended to move battlefield supplies in Afghanistan as soon as this year - is upon us, and one team at least is claiming a successful demonstration. The Kaman K-MAX intermesh rotor helicopter. Credit: Kaman Now available without that heavy, expensive, …
When was the control link not encrypted?
Oh wait. You must be confused by the fact that someone left the video link unencrypted.
(Not that they could see the crosshairs or telemetry ...)
I can imagine it now...
"Hey Achmed, this is Abu. You know that Predator Drone thing we hacked in to? ... Well its coming down your street. You may want to get out of your house ...."
Um, intermeshing contra-rotating rotors are kind of Kamen's specialty. The contra-rotation eliminates the need for a tail rotor (and has done since the 1950's IIRC).
Their rotors also tend to have a flap on the trainling edge of their blades, which is quite unusual (AFAIK). I'd hear d of this basic design some time ago when they were touting it as a helicopter for logging operations, with no cabin, just a pilots cockpit and rotors and bearings designed for no replacement during the life of the vehicle.