RQ-1/MQ-1 Predator

Description

The Predator is an unmanned aerial vehicle in service with the CIA and USAF since 1995. The unarmed version, known as the RQ-1, was supplemented by the armed MQ-1 in 2001. The Predator fleet is due to be replaced by the larger and more heavily armed MQ-9 Reaper by 2017.

The original ‘drone strike’ UAV, the armed Predator revolutionized precision targeting of individuals by having a lethal option immediately available when conducting surveillance. Some targeting operations could take weeks of surveillance before a target is confirmed and an opportunity presents to conduct a kinetic strike with minimal collateral damage. SOF now kill more high-value-targets using armed UAVs than using boots on the ground.

PRIMAL Assessment

Most Predators are flown via a satellite data link that results in a lag in the imagery and command and control. PRIMAL’s UAVs, as used in the Pain Train, do not have lag as they use a direct line-of-sight data link between the Pain Train and the UAV. However, they do not have the endurance, range or payload of the Predator. Predator drones are vulnerable to jamming and spoofing.