MQ-1 Predator crashes in Iraq

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, crashed at about 3:30 a.m. today while operating in Iraq. Airmen and Soldiers recovered the wreckage and returned it to its home base.

The UAV was based with the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and being controlled by a pilot at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., when it crashed. It was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The MQ-1 Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV system. Its primary mission is interdiction and armed reconnaissance. The cost of one Predator UAV is approximately $5 million.

In 2005, Predator aircraft flew more than 40,000 combat hours totaling nearly 2,500 sorties worldwide. Each combat sortie lasts an average of 20 hours and crews swap every four hours.

An interim safety investigation board president has been appointed and will conduct an investigation. No further information will be available until the report is complete.

(Courtesy of Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs)