Thu, Mar 30, 2006
The Predator Lives Up To Its Name
An MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial vehicle watched as three
insurgents appeared to be planting a homemade bomb along a road
near Balad Air Base, Iraq, Tuesday. When their motives were
confirmed, the UAV launched an AGM-114 Hellfire missile against the
group.
The Predator monitored the three insurgents for about a half
hour, while they used a pickax to dig a hole in the road. The three
then placed what appeared to be an explosive round into the hole,
and they then strung wires from the hole to a ditch on the side of
the road.
When it was clear the individuals were placing a bomb, the
Predator launched the 100-pound Hellfire missile, killing all three
insurgents.
"This is a prime example of how airpower is supporting the fight
on the ground," said Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc, commander of the
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad. "We're able to provide a
persistent view of the battlefield to commanders on the ground and,
if called upon, put a weapon on a target within minutes."
Using joint Army and Air Force trend analysis and past incident
reporting from the area, the Predator was assigned to monitor the
general location where the insurgents were ultimately found.
"Based on the information we had available, we had a pretty good
idea there might be some activity in the area, and we were right,"
General Gorenc said. "This strike should send a message to our
enemies that we're watching you, and we will take action against
you any time, day or night, if you continue to stand in the way of
progress in Iraq."
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]