PREDATOR UPDATE AND UPGRADES

摘要

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) produces extremely capable long endurance unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) that can be used for a broad range of surveillance and reconnaissance applications. A contract for GA-ASI's Predator~(~R) was awarded in January 1994 and the first aircraft flew just six months after contract award. Predators~(~R) were deployed to Albania to support operations in Bosnia less than one year after first flight. Since 1995, Predators~(~R) have flown over 500 missions and more than 3,000 hours over Bosnia. Predator~(~R) has also demonstrated its ability to support carrier battle groups during Carrier Group One's COMPTUEX '96 and successfully completed trials in June 1996 with the submarine U.S.S. Chicago controlling Predator~(~R) and receiving video from Predator's" onboard sensors while submerged. Predators~(~R) are operational with the USAF 11th and 15th Reconnaissance Squadrons. Predator~(~R) is the only reconnaissance system available in the U.S. inventory that can provide near real-time video and synthetic aperture radar imaging day or night in all-weather, via satellite without exposing pilots to combat fire. As the first successful unmanned aircraft surveillance program to be fielded in decades, the Predator~(~R) provides tactical and strategic intelligence to operational commanders worldwide. The large payload capacity and long dwell capability of Predator make it ideal as a C I platform. As a P3I upgrade, Predator~(~R) is incorporating a UFH/VHF radio that will allow radio relay. Additionally, the Predator~(~R) could function as an airborne communications node and provide a broad band tactical communications alternative to satellites.