IN JANUARY 2001, the face of combat and the role of airpower changed with the launch of a Hellfire missile from Predator during demonstrations conducted by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and USAF.

Though this was an incredible first in unmanned combat strike, it was just one of many performance firsts in the Predator programme. Hellfire missiles had never before been employed above 2,000ft AGL or at ranges exceeding 2.5km. The January firing shattered existing limitations and expanded the Hellfire missile operational envelope to 15000ft AGL at ranges up to 10km. This leap forward provided users with a tremendous capability as the aircraft now flies routinely in combat operations armed with Hellfire missiles in support of National Command Authority tasking in the US war on terrorism. The ability to strike targets using low-cost unmanned aircraft revolutionised the way the US fights wars.

The Predator multi-mission system has demonstrated exceptional performance following a successful test programme that moved the system into combat operations seamlessly. Predator achievements include the first-ever demonstrated capability to destroy ground targets from a UAV and the capability to find, fix, track, target, destroy and conduct battle damage assessment on a target using a single platform. Predator also uses a laser designator to identify, target, cue and direct other aircraft such as F-15s and F-18s, enabling them to employ precision-guided munitions to destroy targets. Most significantly, the Predator system illustrated that targets could be attacked with near-precision accuracy while maintaining targeting flexibility with man-in-the-loop without risking pilot or crew.

Designed for medium-altitude remotely piloted long-endurance reconnaissance, the Predator system consists of the aircraft, ground control station (GCS), a SATCOM terminal and support equipment. Co-located in the GCS, a pilot controls the aircraft and a sensor operator controls a reconnaissance and laser designator. A new multispectral targeting system (MTS) that includes a day television, electro-optical infrared camera and a laser ranger/designator, was added to give extra capability. For Hellfire integration, Predator's wings were modified to carry one missile under each wing.

In under nine months, the RQ-1 Predator system was transformed from a passive observer to an active shooter and immediately was accepted into operational use. The next step was equipping the designated MQ-1 Predator with air-to-air Stinger (ATAS) missiles. These were integrated using many of the components developed to support the Hellfire system, including wing attachments, avionics and software. The result was a rapid transition from concept and test firing to fielding in less than three months.

The MQ-1 Predator is the first-ever unmanned hunter-shooter aircraft to combine long endurance, reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities with a lethal weapons capability. This has shortened timelines between finding, fixing and tracking to targeting and weapons launch to near real-time. Added to this is the ability to assess battle damage immediately following a strike, making Predator the most efficient, self-contained strike platform ever deployed. Predator's operational flexibility allows easy in-flight retasking based on mission requirements, without putting a pilot in harm's way.

As the force-multiplier of the US government, Predator has proven its military utility as a valuable asset capable of multiple missions to support the warfighter. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has expanded this concept to allow users to perform multiple missions simultaneously from the same aircraft. Based on proven technology, Predator B has been acquired by USAF and designated the MQ-9 Hunter-Killer system. This aircraft has an expanded operational envelope to meet various mission requirements. With 800lb of internal payload capacity, Predator B also is able to carry 3,000lb externally on six wing hardpoints. This enables the aircraft to carry and launch a variety of weapons during a single mission without exposing air crews to hostile fire.

Aeronautical Systems' design goal for Predator B was to develop a remotely operated aircraft system based on the reliability and proven technology of the RQ-1 Predator, IGNAT and ALTUS aircraft. After over 55,000 flight hours, these aircraft have provided Aeronautical Systems with a blueprint for success that, combined with jet-power reliability and performance, has resulted in the flight-proven Predator B. Capable of meeting operational objectives of air forces, navies and science communities worldwide, Predator B is capable of flying missions completely autonomously or under pilot control.

Increased speeds mean Predator B can be repositioned at new operating areas to provide critical and timely reconnaissance and targeting of ground activities. Coupled with a large payload for flights to even higher altitudes than those of the original aircraft, Predator B also has a greater standoff range for reconnaissance and targeting. In fact, Predator B is capable of simultaneous internal and external carriage of numerous payloads.

Based in San Diego, CA, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. marks its 10th anniversary as a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems, providing reliable, remotely operated aircraft for surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, weapons delivery, atmospheric research, commercial and other applications.