Predator

Predators (RQ-1/MQ-1/MQ-9) are long endurance; medium altitude typically used for reconnaissance and surveillance but can also be armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles which allows for armed reconnaissance. This UAS was first flown in 1994 and after successful flight, production started in 1997.  This is a larger UAS with a 49 foot wingspan and a 27 foot length and cruises at 70kts or more.

            Predators are unique in that when fully utilized, it is a complete system of four Predator UAS’s and a ground control station (GCS). When fully supported, the Predator uses upwards of 82 people inclusive of operators (pilots), tech support personnel and sensor operators and ground team. Having a fully integrated team with four aircraft allow missions such as surveillance for 40 hours consecutive up to 25,000ft within 400 miles of the GCS.  The predator can use a direct link for communications or switch to satellite communications when direct link is unavailable.

            When the predator is not fully utilized as a team of four aircraft, it can be down-graded to smaller missions that use only one aircraft. In doing so, the crew of a single aircraft uses two sensor operators and one pilot. If the mission is within line of sight (LOS), then the pilot uses a stick control and the commands are sent over a standard C-Band. When the range is extended beyond lone of sight (BLOS), it uses the Ku-Band Satellite link (Valdes, 2015). Onboard this unmanned aircraft is the L-3 Com satellite data link that receives commands from the ground. The Predator primary satellite link is a dish that spans 20 feet, but can be broken down along with the aircraft itself which breaks up into 6 parts; two avionics and payload bays, wings, propulsion system, landing gear and tail surfaces. The GCS is the largest part and not easily transported, it literally has to be rolled into vehicles large enough to handle the load; the entire system, inclusive of four aircraft, can fit into a C-130 or a C-141. Reassembly after transport takes approximately eight hours by a minimum of four people. 

            A disadvantage of this system is to transport it, you would need large trucks, or a flatbed truck to fit all components, and then need access to a large aircraft. Taking it to the area which calls for the specific requirement of the Predator can also offer some logistical concerns. Thankfully a C-130 is known for its ability for short take-offs and landings, making it well suited for this UAS. I do believe the designers have done the best job they could have for making such a large UAS with the ability to break it down. I am a bit surprised however at the number of 82 for a full blown mission involving 4 aircraft.

 

References

Valdes, R. How the Predator UAV Works. How Stuff Works. Retrieved Februrary 8, 2015 from:               http://science.howstuffworks.com/predator6.htmValdes,