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Airman 1st Class John D. Clark from the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. performs maintenance on a Predator UAV after its return from a reconnaissance flight over Afghanistan. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 William D Crow.

The Predator System

The Predator UAV system provides long-dwell, real-time intelligence information to Joint Task Force Commanders. Following the accomplishments of the Predator UAV system in its reconnaissance role in Operation Enduring Freedom, the system has also successfully demonstrated its capability to be weaponized to deliver Hellfire missiles.

As missions for the Predator UAV system expand, the improved speed and payload capacity of the turbo prop-powered Predator B UAV is critical to future combat operations. Source (pdf file).

Introduction of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Unmanned aerial vehicles commonly referred to as UAV's are defined as powered aerial vehicles sustained in flight by aerodynamic lift over most of their flight path and guided
without an onboard crew. They may be expendable or recoverable and can fly autonomously or piloted remotely. UAVs are a key element within the concept of information
dominance. Historically the greatest use of UAVs have been in the areas of intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance. While UAVs play an increasing role in these mission areas,
we are just beginning to understand the operational impact of multiple UAV operations and their importance to 21st century air power needs and future warfighters. As the US
military adapts to a new set of realities and new ways of doing business, greater possibilities evolve for the employment of UAVs. Full Story.

DoD Internal News

• Flying An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Proving Their Worth Over Afghanistan

• From U.S. Civil War to Afghanistan: A Short History of UAVs

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News Transcripts

• Secretary Rumsfeld Interview with CNBC

• Special Briefing on Objective Force Warrior and DoD Combat Feeding Program

• Rumsfeld Media Availability at the U.S. Air Force Academy

• Background Briefing on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Briefings and Speeches

• Testimony Prepared for Delivery by Secretary of Defense Regarding the Recommendation on Crusader

• Secretary Rumsfeld Briefs the Fiscal 2003 DoD Budget

• Fiscal Year 2003 Defense Budget Testimony — Senate Armed Services Committee

• Deputy Secretary Wolfowitz Interview with Los Angeles Times

• DoD Briefing on 2002 Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations

• Prepared Statement for the Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing On Military Transformation

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