This year, army brigades overseas began receiving the new 1,500 kg MQ-1C UAV. Called Gray Eagle, until recently it was informally known as the Sky Warrior. This UAV will supplement, and eventually replace the current 159 kg/350 pound Shadow 200s. These aircraft carry day and night cameras, and laser designators, but usually no weapons. Most of the new army heavy UAVs delivered over the next five years will missile carrying MQ-1Cs. By 2015, the army will have over 500 MQ-1Cs.
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Deadly and easy to replace. The next war will be flown with these guys supporting ground troops. At least there wont be a DADT gay UAV..
“Deadly and easy to replace.”
Deadly, yes, easy to replace?????
Actually, General Atomics can’t make them fast enough, which is why there are more of the MC-12’s coming into the Afghan theatre.
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htairfo/articles/20090415.aspx
The demand is large.