Predators wait to soar into Iraqi sky
An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle sits in its hangar waiting for it next mission in May at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The Predator provides armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance and target acquisition for coalition forces. The Predator carries the Multispectral Targeting System with AGM-114 Hellfire missile targeting capability and integrates electro-optical, infrared, laser designator and laser illuminator into a single sensor package. The aircraft can employ two laser-guided Hellfire anti-tank missiles with the MTS ball. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Steffen)