It looks like the next big step for unmanned aircraft could be into propaganda. Flight International is reporting that Special Operations Command is looking at the possibility of using an unmanned aerial vehicle for "psychological operations":
Aerovironment has confirmed that the US Special Operations Command-sponsored **Global Observer **joint capability technology demonstration (JCTD) programme using the company’s Global Observer hydrogen-powered UAV will include assessment of psychological operations roles for high-altitude long-endurance platforms.
The Global Observer JCTD psyops element will be based on the use of broadcast technologies from altitude, says Ted Wierzbanowski, director of strategic initiatives at Aerovironment. He declines to provide further details.
Special Operations Command already operates a C-130-based aircraft used for psychological operations, called Commando Solo. The aircraft is equipped with communications gear capable of radio and TV broadcasting (it can also jam other military and civil communications transmissions).
You can read snippets of Commando Solo broadcasts in Iraq and Afghanistan here and here.
