Unmanned aerial vehicles and aviation

The MQ-1 Predator is one of the most widely know and used unmanned aircraft in use today. The predator is used mainly by the USAF (United States Air Force) and CIA (Central Intelligence Agency). Initially produced in the 1990's for reconnaissance the predator has been upgraded to be able to carry a weapon arsenal as well as various other sensors. The predator UAS system consists of four aircraft, a ground control suite, and a primary satellite communication suite. Powered by a Rotax engine and a propeller this aircraft is capable of travelling 400 miles and staying in the air for 14 hours.

Source: http://ohiofraudclosure.blogspot.com

General Atomics was originally awarded the contract to build the drone in January 1994. The initial phase lasted from 1994 to June 1996. The predator drone is controlled from a ground control station by a c-band line of sight data-link or a K-band satellite data-link for beyond line of sight operations.

In the winter of 2000-2001 after seeing the result of the predators reconnaissance in Afghanistan Cofer Black, head of the CIA became a vocal advocate of the predator and it's abilities to use weapons against Osama Bin Laden. He also thought that CIA pressure and interest caused the USAF to accelerate the armed predator program. Further tests occurred between May 22 and June 7, 2001. Missile accuracy was precise, although there was problems with 'missile fuzing.' A replica of bin Laden's residence was built and a hell fire was successfully launched and confirmed to be able to kill anyone that was inside.

The predator drone continues to be a huge resource to the USA and our allies. Providing reconnaissance support as well as firepower. At a price tag of 4 million dollars per unit this is substantially cheaper than the F-16 fighter jet. Not to mention no loss of life if a predator crashes.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Atomics_MQ-1_Predator