Posted on 10/11/2009 3:31:20 PM PDT by Saije
A new world of air combat is unfolding inside a secretive facility in Fargo, N.D., where pilots sitting in front of video screens and clutching joysticks are conducting missions over Iraq and Afghanistan -- and then driving home to the wife and kids at the end of their shift.
For the first time ever, the U.S. military will train more pilots to fly unmanned drones this year than it does pilots for jets and bombers. And a storied group from the North Dakota Air National Guard is helping to usher in the historic transition.
It's a far cry from the halcyon days of the Happy Hooligans, the name given the North Dakota Air National Guard fighter wing and its award-winning, Right Stuff jet pilots. Old-timers from the unit admit the switch from being strapped into an F-16 to controlling what at first glance looks like a high-tech video game has been a test of the ego.
But military officials see unmanned aircraft as a future face of air warfare.
Col. Rick Gibney, who will assume command of the North Dakota air wing next year, said the new missions can be more intense than traditional flights.
"I can honestly say that people would rather stay flying the fighters," Gibney said. "That being said, having been in the mission for a length of time, the type of flying we do is very rewarding."
Flying drone Predators, which are armed with laser-guided missiles and can reach speeds of 135 miles per hour, requires a flight plan, communication with air traffic control and other planes in the air, and contingencies for diverting to another landing field, the same as a manned aircraft.
The Fargo facility has about 30 three-person crews operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
It hit me when they started arming Predators that we are about to view manned military attack aircraft the way we looked at Sopwith Camels when Mustangs were escorting B-17’s over Germany.
The times are a changin’.
5.56mm
Typical Strib anti-military content. I doubt these heros are “clutching” joysticks.
“not everyone agrees.”
About what?
It would be great to have the same border security the U.S. military exerts on behalf of Iraq.
“not everyone agrees.”
“About what?”
About taking pilots out of the cockpit. That was the theme of the NCIS LA episode last week, part of it anyway. And also the theme of the old 80s movie, “War Games” except there is was nuclear missile bunkers.
Hollywood doesn’t agree.
Imagine that....
“Hollywood doesn’t agree.
Imagine that....”
I think it was for dramatic purposes. The pilot had to come in and save the day.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.