One Pilot, Several Drones
The latest upgrade to the MQ-1 Predator, known as the
Multi-Aircraft Control, or MAC system, entered operational testing
with the first two-ship and four-ship Predator sorties being flown
over a four-day period.
Testers performed two-ship sorties Sept. 12 and 13 and
progressed to four-ship sorties Sept. 14 and 15.
During these sorties, members from the 53rd Test and Evaluation
Group, Detachment 4, tested the MAC ground control station on its
ability to enable a single pilot to simultaneously control four
Predator aircraft over the skies of southern Nevada.
"Our pilots were impressed with the
technology integration, human-machine interface and situational
awareness provided by the (system)," said Lt. Col. Steven Tanner,
53rd TEG Det. 4 commander. "We spent six months developing
comprehensive training and safety plans to ensure that these
initial MAC four-ship test sorties were successful. Once we fully
train our pilots and sensor operators on this new technology, we
will initiate the process of evaluating the operational
capabilities of the MAC system."
The system has the potential to bring long-endurance,
concentrated Predator firepower to a dynamic battlefield scenario,
Colonel Tanner said.
The system allows one pilot to actively engage a target, while
three other Predators are flying nearby on standby status. While
one pilot controls all four Predators, sensor operators assigned to
each Predator are able to collect data using the sensor ball,
located on the front of the aircraft, Colonel Tanner said.
Operators from the 53rd Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, and
57th Wing at Nellis AFB, NV, will conduct operational test missions
with the MAC system during the next few months in order to evaluate
the new two- and four-ship Predator mission capabilities.
"MAC represents a quantum leap in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
technology and has the potential to dramatically increase Predator
availability and lethality," said Col. William Coutts, 53rd Wing
commander. "The combined 53rd and 57th team is doing an excellent
job, and I am optimistic that MAC technology will translate into
increased combat capability for combatant commanders."
The MQ-1 Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely
piloted aircraft that carries the Hellfire missile. Its primary
mission is interdiction and conducting armed reconnaissance against
critical, perishable targets, according to the Air Force.
When the MQ-1 is not actively pursuing its primary mission, it
acts as a Joint Forces Air Component Commander-owned theater asset
for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition.
Operational testing is scheduled to conclude in November.
Testers will then provide their recommendations to Air Force senior
leaders concerning the operational viability of the MAC system.
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.01.24): Say Altitude
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