ACC to bring Predator, Global Hawk programs under single roof

Posted on: Jun. 28th, 2006 || Source: aimpoints.hq.af.mil | E-mail Article | Print Article

ACC to bring Predator, Global Hawk programs under single roof

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VA -- Air Combat Command this fall will merge the Air Force's two high-profile unmanned aerial vehicle program offices under a single shop, aiming to begin using common sensor suites on Predator and Global Hawk UAVs, a service official says.

The merger, which will bring the command’s UAV experts under one roof, is expected to increase communication between Predator and Global Hawk program officials, Lt. Col. Michael Wilke, ACC’s Predator program monitor, said during an interview here June 12.

For example, “we’re going to merge our comm shops because Predator [and] Global Hawk satellite link systems are similar and we’re going to take advantage of like technology to command the aircraft,” Wilke said. Officials do not expect the merger will generate any costs, he added.

The move was verbally handed down by Maj. Gen. Jack Catton, the command’s director of requirements, in January, according to Wilke. The command’s envisioned unmanned aircraft hub will be dubbed the “Unmanned Aerial System Systems Management Office,” he noted. ACC is the lead organization for both UAVs.

A remotely piloted, high-altitude, long-endurance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance-collector, the Global Hawk RQ-4A -- or the Block 10 model -- features a wingspan of 116 feet and is 44 feet long. The aircraft can fly at altitudes up to 65,000 feet, at speeds around 340 knots for upwards of 35 hours.

Northrop Grumman is developing a new model of the UAV that is larger than the RQ-4A design. The bigger Global Hawk is dubbed the RQ-4B, or the Block 20 version.

Two dozen MQ-1, or Predator A, model unmanned aircraft have seen heavy use in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Meantime, the Predator B model, developed largely on General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ dime, is a 10,000-pound UAV designed to carry 3,000 pounds of ordinance. Officially known as the MQ-9 “Hunter-Killer,” the Predator B can employ all the weapons that an F-16 fighter utilizes, including the Small Diameter Bomb. The B model can fly at speeds of more than 220 knots with its turbo-prop engine, boasting sensing capabilities to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

“There’s a lot of things to share and learn” between the two unmanned aircraft efforts, Wilke said. “Right now, we’re not using the same sensors on the Predator and Global Hawk but see synergies between the two, especially as the MQ-9 numbers grow and it’s ability to carry larger payloads.”

Representatives from the command also took part in a working group composed of Air Force action officers that met last week at the Pentagon to examine various options at expanding formal training for the Predator.

The June 13 conference was designed to “explore all aspects” of training for the Predator in preparation for upcoming Total Force Integration initiatives, Maj. Eric Barr, ACC’s Predator functional area manager, told ITAF here June 12, the day before the powwow.

ITAF reported last year that the command was on track to double this year the number of personnel trained to operate the UAV and reach healthy manning levels for the aircraft (ITAF, July 1, 2005, p1).

“We didn’t double our size but [we] did double our output,” Wilke said.

The command has expanded from a “15/15” ratio of 15 Predator pilots and 15 sensor operators to a “30/30” ratio, he added. As a result, annual production jumped from 40 Predator crews to 120 crews, an increase of 200 percent, according to Barr.

That increase was determined at the end of FY-05 because of future demands for the four Total Force Integration Air National Guard units and the creation of an Air Force Special Operations Command Predator squadron, Barr told ITAF.

ACC is slated to receive 170 Predator As, some of which will then be deployed to the Guard and AFSOC, according to Wilke. The command will ultimately get 60 Predator Bs, he said, adding there are no plans to deploy those aircraft elsewhere, but that there has been discussion of a New York ANG unit receiving some.

Thus far, nine days have been shaved off the Predator training process, Wilke told ITAF. That equates to a 15 percent decrease.

Barr said remote split operations mission focus remains up front in the initial UAV course, including an orientation of pattern and take off and landing operations, though no qualification is awarded.

When personnel pick up more Predator experience, usually 12 to 15 months, they can attend the take-off and landing qualification portion of the training, deploying to a launch and recovery element location. This approach also reduces risk by having “seasoned” crews attend the takeoff and landing qualification, according to Barr.

In addition, the Air Force Personnel Center, located at Randolph AFB, TX, has experienced a “vast reduction” in the number of non-volunteers to the Predator program, he said. Recently, the number of volunteers has increased to the point where they have exceeded the number of course slots.

Barr told ITAF that many of the volunteers come from other mission with very high operational tempos and “are looking for a break in pace.” He added that the UAV effort has a high temp itself, with 24-hour shift work, with six days on and three off, and personnel working 10 to 12 hour shifts. However, the UAV program has fewer deployments. -- Martin Matishak
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