RQ-1A Predator
General
Predator, formerly known as the Medium Altitude Endurance (MAE) or Tier II UAV, is a derivative of the Gnat 750 (Tier I) UAV. The system provides long-range, long-dwell, near-real-time imagery intelligence (IMINT) to satisfy reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) mission requirements. The air vehicle carries both EO/IR and SAR sensors which, with a Ku-band satellite communication (SATCOM) links, enable the system to acquire and pass highly accurate imagery to ground stations for theater-wide use by tactical commanders. Predator redeployed to Taszar, Hungary, in March 1996 to support NATO operations in Bosnia and has been there ever since. On 30 June 1996, Predator completed its 30-month ACTD program and in August 1997 transitioned to a production program in the formal acquisition arena. Prime contractor is General Atomics – Aeronautical Systems, Inc., San Diego, CA.
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Subsystems 4 Air Vehicles (per production system) 1 Ground Control Station 1 Trojan Spirit II Dissemination System Ground Support Equipment | |||||
| Key Operational Factors Sensors: EO, IR and SAR Deployment: Multipleb C-130 sorties Radius: 740 km (400 nm) Endurance: ª35 hrs Max Altitude: 7.6 km (25,000 ft) Cruise Speed: 120-130 km/hr (65-70 kts) bDepends on equipage and duration | ||||||
| Flight Dataa • Flights / Hours |
Bosnia 607 / 3,742 |
FY97 595 / 2,613 |
Total to Date 1,504 / 6,756 |
Funding (Then-Year $M): • RDT&E (Defense-wide) • RDT&E (AF) • A/C Procurement (AF) • Other Procurement (AF) • Other Procurement (Navy) • Military Construction (AF) • Ops & Maintenance (AF) • Military Personnel (AF) |
FY97 107.8 |
FY98 15.0
18.6 |
FY 1997 Activities
Predator met two challenges successfully this past year. First, residual ACTD assets continued full support of NATO operations in Bosnia (see pp. 4-5), which precluded their participation in most other activities at home. Secondly, the program transitioned to production, the first ACTD to enter the formal acquisition process.
On 2 January 1997, the USD(A&T) authorized limited procurement by the Air Force (through the Navy’s PEO(CU)) to sustain the post-ACTD residual assets, to include:
- One AV to replace one that had crashed;
- Five additional AVs and three Trojan Spirits to complete the existing systems (as redefined); and
- Their necessary support.
Thirteen months of transition activities focused on resolving key issues with respect to requirements, acquisition approach, force size and funding, reliability and support, and configuration upgrades. There were no short cuts to Predator’s production approval. System trades and follow-on developments and tests were incorporated into the program to meet both joint and lead-Service requirements for system performance and sustainability. Other activities included a life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis,11 and a Lease vs. Buy study (with the recommendation to “buy”). Further, lessons learned during Predator’s ACTD and transition have been documented for other ACTD programs (see pp. 16-17).
On 8 August 1997, the Defense Acquisition Board approved Predator’s entry into the production phase of the acquisition process, designated the program as Acquisition Category II (ACAT II), and delegated milestone decision authority (MDA) to the Air Force.12
The approved Predator program includes a total of 12 systems, with a block-upgrade program to phase in additional P3I capabilities. The Air Force has initiated a streamlined acquisition process by eliminating as much government furnished equipment (GFE) and government contracting as possible, and by giving total system performance responsibility (TSPR) to General Atomics. The Service plans a program review (PR) to initiate production of systems #9 and #10 early in FY 1998; procurement of systems #11 and #12 are planned for FY 1999 and 2000, respectively. With Congressional approval of the FY 1998 budget request, the program is fully funded for FY 1998, and resources are fully programmed for the out-years.
Configuration Management
Another noteworthy outcome of Predator’s transition planning is its evolution to a more capable system much earlier in the acquisition process. A year ago, just three features were considered essential for a production baseline configuration, though many others were identified as P3I candidates. Now, seven features will be in or retrofitted to the Baseline configuration, with an additional five incorporated into the Block I acquisition. Although funding was available for 13 systems, the Air Force chose to fund 12 better-quality systems, with progressive improvements in sustainability, from the outset. Block I capabilities are planned for first delivery with system #10 in FY 2000
Predator and Maritime Operations
The Congressionally directed Predator Marinization Feasibility Study was reported to the Congress in January 1997. The study concluded that fully marinizing Predator for launch and recovery aboard “large deck” naval platforms, though feasible, would incur significant modifications, testing, and costs. Accordingly, the Navy decided not to develop Predator on-board capabilities, but to continue demonstrating MAE UAV technologies from shore-based locations. This will augment its evolving concept for UAV support for carrier battle groups and Marine Expeditionary Forces to the extent of their weapon ranges and aircraft capabilities.
11 12-System LCC (Base-year FY 1996 $M)
- RDT&E 213
- Production 512
- O&S, etc. 697
- -total 1,422
12 USD(A&T) Predator UAV Acquisition Decision Memorandum, August 18, 1997