VMA-513: expanding the Predator's role.

A section of AV-8B Harrier IIs launches in the dead of night from a mountainous airfield in the belly of the Nellis Tactical Training Range, Nev. Enroute, the Harriers link up with a single MQ-1 Predator from the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron and begin working a game plan to support engagement of time-critical targets. The Predator has located an enemy convoy outside of the simulated forward edge of the battle area and passes the target to the Harriers via laser handoff. The lead AV-8B tightens the coordinate via the LITENING pod, and then sorts the target intra-flight with his wingman. The plan is for the lead to self-lase his precision guided munitions (PGMs), and for the Predator to lase for Dash 2's PGMs in order to engage the multiple targets simultaneously, providing the high tempo desired for a time-sensitive strike. Moments later BG41 the convoy is destroyed with four laser PGMs delivered on their respective targets.

While these kinds of missions are not currently on the Predator's training syllabus, in October and November 2008 the Flying Nightmares of VMA-513 explored scenarios like this when conducting exercise Cactus Needle at Creech AFB, Nev. The exercise focused on integrating the MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) of the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron with AV-8B Harrier IIs from VMA-513 in an offensive air support role. The lessons learned will help the Marine Corps improve UAS tactics.

The Predator boasts many impressive features invaluable to current battle scenarios. The aircraft contains multiple sensors which enable it to provide high resolution real-time video anywhere in the world. It does this through high magnification of electro-optical and infrared optics, and through synthetic aperture radar in the event environmental conditions make the first two sensors unusable. Along with the impressive sensors on board, the Predator also carries lightweight PGMs and can mark targets visually for other aircraft or ground personnel. Additionally, the MQ-1 can carry different versions of the AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missile to attack targets autonomously, and can remain airborne for more than 20 hours. The Predator's capabilities make it ideal for integration with a manned fixed wing aircraft--a Harrier II or an F/A-18 Hornet more than compensates for what the Predator lacks in firepower and speed.

Having a UAS on station to locate targets and build situational awareness on enemy activity allows an attack aircraft, with limited time on station, to quickly begin engaging targets. For Harriers or Hornets to build similar situational awareness typically requires multiple aerial refueling events. The Predator crew can integrate from their ground control station with intelligence personnel, who have instant communication with the command and control system for the most up to date intelligence information. A conventional attack aircraft does not have the same tools or capability to access that type of information real-time while airborne.

Currently, the Predator and other ...