Pioneer continues operations as the Interim Joint Tactical UAV. Since 1985, Pioneers have logged over 12,000 flight hours, with 1,200 hours flown in FY95 through July. A system has been transferred from Pacific Missile Test Center, CA, to Patuxent Naval Air Station, MD, to support Pioneer software changes, hardware acceptance, and test and evaluation of potential payloads and technology developments to support future UAV requirements. Training is conducted at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, at the DoD UAV Training Center. Two Navy LPD-class ships are being converted to host Pioneer UAV operations and, along with two already-converted LPD-class ships, will provide contingency mission support for the rest of the decade. The continued procurement of 30 additional air vehicles and spare parts under the Pioneer Readiness Improvement Program is designed to maintain readiness at or above 85% while providing valuable test assets for payload and technology development.
Concept of Operations
[Pioneer] proved that the utility of the unmanned aerial vehicle can be decisive in future battles.Admiral David E. Jeremiah
Chairman, JROC
April 1993