NOTAM Issued For Investigation Of Army/Navy Rematch

ANN 04.01.07 SPECIAL EDITION: In an incident believed to be the first of its kind, on Tuesday a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle operated by US Army airmen successfully intercepted another Predator UAV, this one flown by US Navy crews, in the skies over Arizona.

Throughout the thrilling aerial dogfight that ensued, both unmanned aircraft engaged in complicated maneuvers and several harrowing escapes. Although AGM-114 Hellfire missiles were fired from both aircraft, it was the Army's missiles that found their target.

"Go Army! Beat Navy!" exclaimed Sergeant Richard "Maverick" Andrews as his targeting screen showed a "lock" onto the Navy aircraft.

It is believed the downed Navy Predator impacted terrain in the vicinity of the US/Mexico border. A NOTAM has been issued advising pilots of manned aircraft to steer clear of the area, and officials with both armed forces branches said proper disciplinary actions would be taken.

Dr. Butch Cassidy, who was flying his Beechcraft Bonanza near the area at the time of the aerial confrontation, wished he would have brought his camera.

"They looked like angry mosquitos," Cassidy said. "Until the missile flew past my left wingtip. Then I just wanted to get the hell out of there."

Reports that further UAV confrontations would become a regular event -- similar to the annual Army/Navy football game, which the latter has won for the past five years -- could not be comfirmed.

FMI: www.predatorversuspredator.mil