Predator achieves milestone in Global War on Terrorism Published Oct. 21, 2005 By Chris McGee Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFMCNS) -- The MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system continues to build its reputation as an increasingly high-demand, lethal asset in counterinsurgency operations, achieving a monthly record of 4,700 flying hours in July. Managed by Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and operated by Air Combat Command units, Predators worldwide have been logging 4,000 hours a month in support of the Global War on Terrorism and other operations. "Predator is a highly effective weapon system ideally suited for supporting U.S. and coalition forces," said Mr. Thomas Severyn, director of ASC's Predator Systems Squadron. "Achieving 4,700 hours in a month confirms that persistent armed reconnaissance is a key weapon in the Global War on Terrorism." According to Mr. Severyn, the July milestone adds to the more than 103,000 total combat hours that ACC has flown the Predator unmanned system in global operations since 9-11. As part of ASC's Reconnaissance Systems Wing, the Predator Systems Squadron procures Predator aircraft, ground-control stations, support equipment, spare parts, depot repair services and retrofits to upgrade older variants. The squadron provides world-wide sustainment support such as engineering, depot support and supply chain management. The Predator has quickly endeared itself to war fighters as a multi-role weapon system able to locate and strike time-critical targets and to provide a persistent eye in the sky over challenging and dangerous areas in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Driving the Predator's popularity are its two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, sophisticated sensors and cameras feeding full-motion video to ground troops and aircraft. "I have seen our UAS force evolve from one that was principally an intelligence-collection platform in Bosnia to one that today has a very potent air-to-ground capability and represents a truly flexible, combat platform," said Lt. Gen. Walter E. Buchanan III, commander of the 9th Air Force and United States Central Command Air Forces. According to Mr. Severyn, those working in Predator program acquisition at ASC find it both rewarding and motivating to know that troops in the field are singing the Predator's praises and testifying to how the system is helping eradicate insurgent threats and saving the lives of U.S. and coalition forces. "Troops in the field speak highly of the system, want more of it, and credit Predator for saving lives," Mr. Severyn said. "This feedback drives our people to do whatever it takes to provide support to the warfighters. The long hours are minor burdens when put in the perspective of Predator eyes flying overhead supporting coalition forces, providing combat Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and saving lives everyday." With Predator proving itself in combat and gaining legions of advocates, the squadron is procuring additional aircraft and related systems. In June, Congress authorized funding for 15 additional MQ-1 Predators and to accelerate delivery of aircraft already on a production contract. "We recently accepted Predator MQ-1 number 125, and we'll exercise our third full-rate production contract in fiscal year 2006," Mr. Severyn said. "That includes a minimum of seven more Predators and a maximum of 36." Even with the program's successes, the squadron is working to bring the next-generation system online. Predator MQ-9 will deliver significantly expanded capabilities, flying twice as high, twice as fast and carrying four times the weapons, including the GBU-12, EGBU-12 and GBU-38 500 lb. Joint Direct Attack Munition. "The MQ-9 will provide a hunter-killer capability and will feature the ability to use synthetic aperture radar to hunt for targets," Mr. Severyn said. "It will be able to cross-cue targeting data to the electro-optic/infrared sensor." According to Mr. Severyn, the MQ-9, or Predator B, is currently in its first increment of system development and demonstration, as well as initial production. Initial Combat Capability versions are scheduled for delivery to operational units next spring, with production units targeted for delivery in 2008 following Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.