The MAE UAV contract was awarded in January 1994 and the first aircraft was flying in July, six months later. The Predator is currently supporting joint exercises and contingency operations. During April and May 1995, it took part in the multinational air defense exercise Roving Sands at Ft. Sumner, NM, where it flew 25 missions for 176 total flight hours. The longest flight was 12.5 hrs, maximum altitude flown was 20,500 ft, and maximum range achieved (via line-of-sight link) was 117 miles. It transmitted imagery to the Joint Intelligence Center in real-time video format as well as in near-real-time still-frames. In July, Predators deployed to Europe to support contingency operations in Bosnia where over-the-horizon control of UAVs was demonstrated under combat conditions. Despite the loss of two aircraft in August 1995, the system demonstrated its military utility. Predator air vehicles have flown approximately 1100 hours this year (as of 1 September 1995). The Predator has already demonstrated endurance of 40+ hours, and can possibly exceed 50 hours with a variable-pitch propeller. In August we incorporated a Ku-band data link for beyond-line-of-sight SATCOM operations. The integration of a 1-foot-resolution SAR payload is expected in 2Q FY96. The Predator will participate in a user demonstration with the Hunter UAV in the Fall of 1995.
Concept of Operations
No system exists which can provide continuous all-weather coverage of world wide targets.... [T]o meet the above requirement, the Joint Staff has identified an urgent need for the capablity of an Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System.Dr. John M. Deutch
Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Technology)
July 1993