Unmanned Predator Kills Three Terrorists; Relative Turns in Suspect

American Forces Press Services ^ | March 29, 2006

[Californiajones]

Hey, I'd thrown in another fifty bucks to the cost of a Hellfire missile if they'd coat it in fresh pigskin.

[jdluntjr]

Actually it is piloted by air force pilots. Generally those with fighter or ground attack experience.

[tlb]

Prime contractors for the system are Rockwell International Corporation and Martin Marietta Corporation. The cost per missile is about $58,000.

http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/systems/HELLFIRE.html

[Godzilla]

It would be possible to mistake this actvity for an IED crew. And, as others have helpfully pointed out, the predator has the ability to make that distinction. You my friend, do not.

I don't think you've been reading what I have told you in my previous posts. The optics on the predator are more than capable enough to allow the ground controllers to evaluate what is going on, with detail accuracy to discern survey equipment, etc. from other non constructional materials. They watched the activity for 30 minutes. That activity was not that which would be related to regular maintenance work. Thus I have said that the predator has the ability to allow the ground controllers to distinguish that activity. And yes, I know in Montana they sometimes still dig by hand, but the trained observers controlling the aircraft know the difference between a hole a couple of feet deep and one that is deeper to access utilities.

[Skooz]

Letting them waste their last moments on earth digging a hole is a nice touch.

LOL! Well said. I agree.

[truemiester]

The don't have 1000 pilots in a hanger, just one.

But he's GOOOOOD!

[YaYa123]

I wanna see the instant replay.....over and over...in slow mo