In a few years, researchers say, all these scenarios could be real, the result of developing a new class of remote-controlled aircraft.

Stealth aircraft, remote-controlled aircraft and a squadron of other aviation advances will punctuate the history of this conflict and set new future standards.

The unmanned, remote-controlled aircraft are used for reconnaissance and to simulate enemy aircraft and missiles for training missions.

Hezbollah said the ship had been struck by a remote-controlled aircraft.

Although the United States has excellent air defenses against a conventional military attack, both slow-flying remote-controlled aircraft and terrain-hugging cruise missiles present a formidable challenge.

Federal researchers are creating new classes of such remote-controlled aircraft, pushing the art of miniaturization in what are known as microflyers.

While there were remote-controlled aircraft in World War II, the technology of the time was inadequate for reliable operation, as demonstrated by Operation Aphrodite.

Newport News Park also offers an archery range, disc golf course, and an "aeromodel flying field" for remote-controlled aircraft, complete with a 400 ft (120 m) runway.

Homeland security officials expect to begin using the remote-controlled aircraft in June to supplement manned air and ground patrols.

That bodes well for the military's research on remote-controlled aircraft; from safe locations, pilots will feel turbulence rather than just see it.