U.S. Military Expands UAV Fleet

February 18, 2009 — Imagine flying a plane without being in the cockpit. It’s not only happening in the military, but it’s happening more frequently as the military grows its fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from about 100 to 370, and its roster of non-flying pilots from about 450 to 1,100, by 2011. AV-web reported that the Air Force will open two new training centers next year in hopes of producing 300 qualified drone pilots over a four-month period. The Air Force is developing all-new channels for the new career path and a new way of waging war. The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing is already waging war the new way and this week received a new MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft. The aircraft was immediately put it into action in Iraq. "As far as getting a new aircraft, it's not very often in the Predator community you are launching a brand-new plane that's never been flown operationally before," said Lt. Col. Debra Lee, 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance and Attack Squadron commander. "The one we received today only had four hours on it, which includes testing time back in the United States." After arriving here disassembled and packed in a crate, the remotely-piloted plane used for reconnaissance and strike missions was reassembled within two days and up and flying its perfect first trip on February 13, according to Air Force Link. In the control booth, Colonel Lee and sensor operator Senior Airman Charlie Cui were busy talking to controllers and each other while working a multitude of buttons, controls and radios. Overall, the entire system is made up of the ground-control system, a satellite link, personnel and the aircraft itself. "It is a lifetime opportunity; you are responsible for a lot of people on the ground helping them as their eye in the sky," said Airman Cui. "I have a great chance to help people down below the plane, especially security forces. Overall, it's a pretty cool mission."

Lt. Col. Debra Lee flies an MQ-1 Predator on Feb. 13. The entire unmanned aircraft system is made up of the ground-control system, a satellite link, personnel and the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca) Senior Airman Charles Cui assists in the flight of an MQ-1 Predator on Feb. 13. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca) An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle takes off from Creech Air Force Base, Nev., May 11, for a training sortie over the Nevada desert. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

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