RQ-1 Predator News

Raytheon delivers Multi-Spectral Targeting System for Predator

8 March 2002

Raytheon's Air Combat & Strike Systems Predator Rapid Reaction Team has delivered three fully integrated Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems (MTS) for the Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to US Air Force Special Operations only 90 days after being placed on contract. A typical development and delivery cycle on a first system of this type can take 12 to 16 months.

The Predator, an unmanned surveillance aircraft operated by the Air Force in the war in Afghanistan, carries devices such as the MTS to gather intelligence remotely without risking human life. Incorporating sophisticated electronics, the MTS sensor gives the Predator a greater capability by providing real time imagery selectable between Infrared (IR) and Day TV and the ability to laser designate the enemy for attack.

The 90-day start-to-finish challenge from the Air Force received government "Special Priority Assistance (SPA)." The SPA gave the programme preference over all other programmes, which improved material availability.

"Not only are we the market leader in this technology, we also met some unusually fast turnaround requirements for our customer," said Jack O. Pearson, Air Combat & Strike Systems vice president and general manager.

MTS contracts are valued at more than $80 million.


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New Predator squadron activated

11 March 2002

The US Air Force has activated a third Predator squadron. The 17th Reconnaissance Squadron (RS) was activated on March 8 at Indian Springs Auxiliary Airfield, Nevada.

The unit, which joins the 11th RS and the 15th RS, was activated by order of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper because of increased mission requirements based on Predator system success in Operation Enduring Freedom.

The initial cadre of experienced people will come from the 11th RS and 15th RS and from new crewmembers graduating from Predator training. The unit will begin receiving new Predators in the near future.

The RQ-1 Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle system designed to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information to the warfighter.


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