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Resister In The Rockies
The General Atomics Predator Drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV) typically operated by US Air Force AFSC 1U0X1, UAS – Unmanned
Aerospace System Sensor Operators. Drones are equipped with the
AN/AAS-52 Multi-spectral Targeting System, armed with GBU-12 Paveway II
laser guided munitions, camera
(generally used by the pilot for flight control), a variable aperture infrared camera
(for low light/night),
and a variable aperture day-TV camera. The Predator Drone is an armed,
multi-mission, medium-altitude, long endurance remotely piloted aircraft
(RPA) that is employed primarily in a killer/scout role as an
intelligence collection asset and secondarily against targets.
The aircraft can employ two laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
which possess a highly accurate, low collateral damage, and
anti-armor/anti-personnel engagement capability. The MQ-1B Predator
handles reconnaissance while MQ-9 Reaper is used primarily “in a
hunter/killer role,” and secondarily for intelligence. The drone
endurance is more than 40 hours and the cruise speed is over 70kt. The
air vehicle is equipped with UHF and VHF radio relay links, a C-band
line-of-sight data link which has a range of 150nm and UHF and Ku-band
satellite data links.
The targeting system is a primary threat. The MQ-1B carries the
Multi-spectral Targeting System (MTS-A) which integrates an infrared
sensor, a color/monochrome daylight TV camera, an image-intensified TV
camera, a laser designator and a laser illuminator into a single
package. The effective operational radius of the aircraft is about 459
miles.
UAV
remote sensing functions include electromagnetic spectrum sensors,
gamma ray sensors, biological sensors, and chemical sensors. A UAV’s
electromagnetic sensors typically include visual spectrum, infrared, or
near infrared cameras as well as radar systems.
Click here to download the JFCOM UAS – A detailed explanation of drone operations, schematics, and capabilities that include;
- Full-color nose camera that the pilot uses primarily to navigate the craft
- Variable aperture camera (similar to a traditional TV camera)
- Variable aperture infrared camera for low-light and night viewing
- Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for seeing through low visibility
Why are drones a threat to Americans?