The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator is an American remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) built by General Atomics that was used primarily by the United States Air Force (USAF) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
Initially conceived in the early 1990s for aerial reconnaissance and forward observation roles, the Predator carries cameras and other sensors. It was modified and upgraded to carry and fire two AGM-114 Hellfire missiles or other munitions. The aircraft entered service in 1995, and saw combat in the war in Afghanistan, Pakistan, the NATO intervention in Bosnia, Serbia, the Iraq War, Yemen, the 2011 Libyan civil war, the 2014 intervention in Syria, and Somalia.
The MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) can provide unmatched situational awareness for ground troops and is in high demand from combat commanders.
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“Understanding the battlespace, friendly and enemy capabilities and positions are all key to achieving the desired end state (of the mission),” said Maj. Matthew, the 432nd Wing commander’s action group chief. “With RPAs, leaders can essentially view the battlespace from their offices and make well-informed decisions, real-time, based on live events.”
“RPAs can scan planned routes for threats, provide real-time footage of the route, provide a bird’s eye view of the targeted compound and more,” Matthew said. This means ground forces can be alerted of oncoming danger and avoid improvised explosive devices on the roads or enemies converging on friendly positions. – US Air Force
The above video is featuring an MQ-1B Predator pilot and sensor operator from the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron (6th RS) fly a training mission from a ground control station at Holloman AFB in New Mexico.
The MQ-1B Predator is an armed, multi-mission, medium altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft. The MQ-1 can perform the following missions and tasks: intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, close air support, combat search and rescue, precision strike, buddy-lase, convoy & raid overwatch, route clearance, target development, and terminal air guidance. Filmed June 15, 2015.
MQ-1B Predator pilot and sensor operator from the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron (6th RS) fly a training mission from one of Holloman’s ground control stations (GCS).Video by Senior Airman BreeAnn Sachs | Holloman Air Force Base Public Affairs Office
