Predator draws interest at Paris Air Show

Published: Mon Jun 25th, 2007
Source: www.eucom.mil

PARIS — Within the United States aircraft coral at the 47th International Paris Air Show one aircraft stands out from the rest. The MQ-1 Predator was the only unmanned Department of Defense aircraft showcased with its entire maintenance crew at the air show here June 18-24.

“Where does the pilot sit” asked an onlooker. There isn’t a seat. The significance of this unmanned aerial vehicle is its ability to protect our Airman by performing without human cargo.

A lot of public interest was directed at this aircraft capable of 24 hours of over head coverage to accomplish search and surveillance, reconnaissance, weapons delivery, battle damage assessment, and targeting.

“We put warheads on foreheads” adds Air Force Staff Sgt. Angelo Munoz.

The aircrew in charge of the Predator from the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Creech Air Force Base, Nev., was more than happy to answer questions to the air show attendees eager to learn more about this unique piece of equipment.

Staff Sgt. Patrick Perry outlined how effective The Predator really is. “Wherever we can have a satellite we can work. So, we can fly anywhere in the world. We can take it apart like a model airplane, pack it up, ship it anywhere, put it together and be operational within eight hours.”

With its superiority in functional capabilities, transportation, and personnel safety it is no wonder that the United States Air Force employs more than 100 of these technical marvels.

U.S. military participation in the Paris Air Show demonstrates the U.S. commitment to international security, promotes international cooperation and contributes to U.S. foreign and security policy objective. Nearly 200,000 visitors walked the tarmac visiting with aircrews, viewing static displays and watching flight demonstrations.
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