Intro:
The goal of military commanders is to inflict as much damage on the enemy while minimizing damage on his own troops. The MQ-1 Predator drone was designed for this very idea at heart. The MQ-1 is an unmanned aerial vehicle controlled by a crew often thousands of miles away from the dangers of combat that is used for reconnaissance and missile assault.
The goal of military commanders is to inflict as much damage on the enemy while minimizing damage on his own troops. The MQ-1 Predator drone was designed for this very idea at heart. The MQ-1 is an unmanned aerial vehicle controlled by a crew often thousands of miles away from the dangers of combat that is used for reconnaissance and missile assault.
Outside the MQ-1:
The MQ-1 is powered by a Rotax 914, four cylinder, four stroke 101 horsepower engine. This engine allows for a top speed of 135 mph and a max altitude of 25,000 ft. The aircraft is controlled by elevators to pitch the airplane up and down and a rudder under the back of the aircraft to steer left and right. The aircraft is relatively small as it is barely taller than the average male and can also all be taken apart and stored in a box for easy transport. The Predator can be disassembled into six main components that all fit in one box called the "coffin". A team of four can then reassemble the Predator in under eight hours once on sight. This key feature allows the Predator to be quickly deployed anywhere in the world.
The MQ-1 is powered by a Rotax 914, four cylinder, four stroke 101 horsepower engine. This engine allows for a top speed of 135 mph and a max altitude of 25,000 ft. The aircraft is controlled by elevators to pitch the airplane up and down and a rudder under the back of the aircraft to steer left and right. The aircraft is relatively small as it is barely taller than the average male and can also all be taken apart and stored in a box for easy transport. The Predator can be disassembled into six main components that all fit in one box called the "coffin". A team of four can then reassemble the Predator in under eight hours once on sight. This key feature allows the Predator to be quickly deployed anywhere in the world.
The MQ-1 Predator drone in its compact transportation box: the "coffin"
Inside the MQ-1:
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Antenna
- Inertial Navigation System/GPS
- Ku-Band Satellite Communications Antenna
- Video Cassette Recorder
- GPS Antennas (Left and Right)
- APX-100 Identification Friend or Foe Transponder
- Ku-Band Satellite Communications Sensor Processor Modem Assembly
- C-Band Upper Omnidirectional Antenna Bracket
- Forward Fuel Cell Assembly
- Aft Fuel Cell Assembly
- Accessory Bay
- Engine Cooling Fan
- Oil Cooler/Radiator
- 914F Engine
- Tail Servo (Left and Right)
- Battery Assembly #2
- Power Supply
- Battery Assembly #1
- Aft Equipment Bay Tray
- Secondary Control Module
- Synthetic Aperture Radar Processor/AGM-114 Electronics Assembly
- Primary Control Module
- Front Bay Avionics Tray
- ARC-210 Receiver/Transmitter
- Flight Sensor Unit
- Video Encoder
- De-ice Controller
- Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor/AN/AAS-52(V)1 Electronics Assembly
- Front Bay Payload Tray
- Ice Detector
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Receiver/Transmitter
- Nose Camera Assembly
Behind the Wheel:
The US Defense Department actually states that "the predator is a system not just an aircraft." There are usually four Predators in a unit that are controlled by 4 different pilots. But in order to sustain this operation, around 82 personnel are involved. The satellite link connects the ground control station and drone. This effective triangle link is key for the operation of the MQ-1. The MQ-1 Predator drone is operated from the comfort of a nice leather seat in the U.S, far away from the heat of battle. With the simple click of a button the drones can change course, speed, camera angle or even fire a hellfire missile. Its similar to playing a video game.
The US Defense Department actually states that "the predator is a system not just an aircraft." There are usually four Predators in a unit that are controlled by 4 different pilots. But in order to sustain this operation, around 82 personnel are involved. The satellite link connects the ground control station and drone. This effective triangle link is key for the operation of the MQ-1. The MQ-1 Predator drone is operated from the comfort of a nice leather seat in the U.S, far away from the heat of battle. With the simple click of a button the drones can change course, speed, camera angle or even fire a hellfire missile. Its similar to playing a video game.
Utility:
The Predator is a multifunction aircraft as it can either be used for reconnaissance or as a deadly missile firing aircraft. It uses an array of cameras that are effective in long distance filming at both day and night under the nose of the aircraft. The drone can also be equipped with two Hellfire missiles that combine with a MTS(missile targeting system) to turn it into a deadly machine. The MTS paints the target with information on wind speed, direction and other battlefield elements to come up with a firing solution. This painted target can either be used to fire its own Hellfire missiles or be communicated with other aircraft or ground forces. Anything within 400 nautical miles of the drone's ground control station is subject to contact with a Predator.
The Predator is a multifunction aircraft as it can either be used for reconnaissance or as a deadly missile firing aircraft. It uses an array of cameras that are effective in long distance filming at both day and night under the nose of the aircraft. The drone can also be equipped with two Hellfire missiles that combine with a MTS(missile targeting system) to turn it into a deadly machine. The MTS paints the target with information on wind speed, direction and other battlefield elements to come up with a firing solution. This painted target can either be used to fire its own Hellfire missiles or be communicated with other aircraft or ground forces. Anything within 400 nautical miles of the drone's ground control station is subject to contact with a Predator.
The Future:
New variations of the Predator are being created to fit different needs such as high altitude flying. The MQ-9 Altair is a model being created which can fly up to 50,000 ft high due to its large wingspan. This UAV will be used by the Coast Guard and Navy for reconnaissance and surveillance. This new drone will be "permanent eyes" in the sky for the military during peace time. The applications of drones are limitless as seen by the recent emergence of quad copters in videography and photography and new micro robotic drones that might be able to replace the pollination provided by bees.
New variations of the Predator are being created to fit different needs such as high altitude flying. The MQ-9 Altair is a model being created which can fly up to 50,000 ft high due to its large wingspan. This UAV will be used by the Coast Guard and Navy for reconnaissance and surveillance. This new drone will be "permanent eyes" in the sky for the military during peace time. The applications of drones are limitless as seen by the recent emergence of quad copters in videography and photography and new micro robotic drones that might be able to replace the pollination provided by bees.
Sources:
-Valdes, Robert. "How the Predator UAV Works." How Stuff Works. Discovery, 1 Apr. 2004. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.-"Out of Sight, Out of Mind: A Visualization of Drone Strikes in Pakistan since 2004."Pitch Interactive. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
-Valdes, Robert. "How the Predator UAV Works." How Stuff Works. Discovery, 1 Apr. 2004. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.-"Out of Sight, Out of Mind: A Visualization of Drone Strikes in Pakistan since 2004."Pitch Interactive. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.