Unmanned Aircraft System - Why not Helicopters?

[abhi88]

Unmanned Aircraft System - Why not Helicopters??

Hello everyone!
i was a little curious to know the reason behind choosing a fixed wing Aircraft over a helicopter for a typical unmanned reconnaissance Aircraft system. The ones in service with air forces worldwide rarely use helis. Apart from the obvious reason of fixed wings' fast speed, what other reasons influence the choice?

 

[boneh3ad]

They do use unmanned helicopters. They just aren't as common because they are more complicated and therefore more expensive and harder to operate.

For example:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_MQ-8_Fire_Scout

 

[russ_watters]

They also have less range and loiter time.

 

[AlephZero]

The best place to operate a UAV is high, where people can't see it, hear it, or shoot AK47s at it. Helicopters don't fly very well at 40,000 ft.

 

[Cod]

Turkish Armed Forces getting ready to test a UAS helicopter: http://www.trdefence.com/2011/01/16/tai-unveils-new-unmanned-helicopter/