The Predator RQ-1 is "the US Air Force's UAV of choice", says test pilot Capt Scott Swanson. It has successfully completed four combat deployments and offers "great capability to commanders in the field".
Currently assigned to the USAF's project office in the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems factory in San Diego, California - where the Predator is built - Swanson predicts that the USAF's only operational UAV system "will remain in high demand". Swanson is a qualified Predator pilot with 400h under his belt including combat time during Operation Allied Force in 1999, and is at Le Bourget to answer questions on his experiences and the air vehicle in the US Department of Defense aircraft park.
Speaking at the European Unmanned Vehicle Association's UAV 2001 conference, Swanson says the USAF's Predators were also constantly being asked to trial and test new equipment and tactical doctrine.
Weapon
On-going efforts include new data links, laser weapon designators, flight systems, chemical hazard detection equipment, communication relay equipment and new sensors. This year a Predator successfully found a target, designated it and fired a Hellfire laser missile at it. Other experimental efforts include relaying imagery into the cockpit of an airborne fighter aircraft. General Atomics is optimistic about the export prospects for the Predator and its upgraded jet powered version, the Predator B. Company spokeswoman Cyndi Wegerbauer says the Italian government is expected to grant formal approval soon to purchase a single Predator _RQ-1 system, comprising three air vehicles, a ground control stations and supporting datalinks, as well as a training air vehicle.
Source: Flight Daily News
