[Poohbah]

They are not, however, any cheaper to operate. According to the Pentagon, an armed Predator costs as much as a manned aircraft, as its operation involves a sophisticated command-and-communications system."

Short-term acquisition costs for the initial system may be just as expensive, but the long-term operational costs will be significantly lower unless the military engages in some truly boneheaded personnel and operations policies.

[unspun]

I hope these things have multiple transponders so as many pieces as possible can be found and destroyed before it gets picked up and sold to China and Russia.

[theFIRMbss]

>...unless the military engages in some truly boneheaded personnel and operations policies.

Yes. And the Packers
win the Superbowl unless
Favre engages in

truly boneheaded
interceptions and fumbles.
Would you bet he won't?