Predator Operations Over Alaskan Waters to Support Coast
Guard
Two Navy RQ-1 Predator
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's) recently completed a successful
deployment to the King Salmon area of south western Alaska in
support of the U.S. Coast Guard. The aircraft flew maritime
patrol missions under the extreme adverse conditions of an Alaskan
winter, which included takeoff temperatures of - 30 degrees and
snow.
The deployment was under the operational control of the United
States Coast Guard, with operational support being provided by the
United States Navy (NAVAIR PMA-263). Flight operations were
under the direct control of the Navy's Center for Interdisciplinary
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS) group. GA-ASI
provided contractor flight and maintenance crews to operate the two
Navy Predators. As part of the exercise, the U.S. Coast Guard
received real time Predator video and posted it to a file transfer
protocol site for observation by Coast Guard officers throughout
the continental US in near real time.
All flights originated from King Salmon airport and were
conducted over the Bristol and Kvichak Bay areas. The
Predators conducted surveillance and communications relay missions
in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hickory.
Weather and cold temperatures proved to be a challenge for both the
Predator ground crews and the USCGC Hickory. The extremely
cold weather affected generators and other ground support
equipment. The Coast Guard Cutter operated in seas in excess
of 20 feet. The Predators themselves were undaunted by the
weather challenges, flying 6 flights in 4 days.
Operating in numerous combat and politically sensitive areas
throughout the world, the RQ-1 Predator system continues to meet
the needs of the U.S. military and the Homeland Security Department
in its fight against terrorism.
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