Difference between revisions of "MQ-1"

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m (Corrected name of MQ-1 Reaper to MQ-1 Predator; the Reaper is the MQ-9, not the MQ-1.)
(Edits to all sections, Description, Usage in Battles, Pros and Cons, See Also, etc)
 
(41 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown)
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an American strike UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) . It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]]. It is available to all nations besides Russia and China. Unlike other aircraft, this is not researchable and can only be used once enough spawn points have been gained.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an American strike UCAV introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]]. This drone is not researchable and is only accessible for players in high-tier ground battles, costing 750 Spawn Points to spawn. The MQ-1 has a Battle Rating of 10.7 (AB/RB/SB). All in-game nations have access to this drone, except for the USSR and China who instead use the [[Orion]] and [[Wing Loong I]] respectively.
 +
 
 +
In the mid 1990s, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems was awarded a contract to build a new UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) for the US military, designated "RQ-1". Developed from the General Atomics Gnat 750, the "Predator", as the RQ-1 was named, would go on to serve in many conflicts around the world, including in Bosnia, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya starting in 1995. It would fill the role fill the role of remote recon and surveillance. After the drone was successfully tested carrying Hellfire missiles in 2001, the RQ-1 would also participate in the strike role, thereafter being redesignated as the "MQ-1". The RQ/MQ-1 Predator served extensively with the US military from 1995 until 2018, after which it was pulled out of service and replaced by the larger and more capable General Atomics MQ-9 "Reaper".
 +
 
 +
In-game, the MQ-1 is useful in cases where other CAS is unavailable or unable to be used, for example in night ground battles where players can take advantage of the the MQ-1's thermal imaging. Due to its relatively limited arsenal and low top speed, players are recommended to use the MQ-1 conservatively and as far away from the battlefield as possible in order to stay clear of enemy SPAA. After the armament of this drone is expended, it can be used to locate enemy vehicles for the team with its excellent optical zoom and thermals.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 16:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
Aircraft survivability is an issue with most drone types, with drones having low top speeds and having sluggish maneuverability. The structural integrity of the MQ-1 is subpar, with even simple rifle-calibre machine guns being able to take it out. Larger weapons will do a significant damage to the drone, especially its fragile wings and unarmored body. The MQ-1 does not carry countermeasures, so it will not be able to effectively defend against incoming surface to air missiles. 
 +
 
 +
One benefit of drones is that due to them being unmanned, the aircraft can sustain excessive G forces without a pilot blacking out.  
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 81: Line 86:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
 
 +
'''General Overview'''
 +
 
 +
As the MQ-1 has a limited payload, it is advised to use the drone for reconnaissance rather than to destroy the first two targets you see. This will ensure that your team is able to identify and deal with threats as best they can, while using the drone's weapons as backup in case of emergency situations. The MQ-1's slow speed will actually improve its performance in this role, as it will be able to act as a constant "eye in the sky" with its long loiter time.
 +
 
 +
; '''Target Designation and Reconnaissance'''
 +
 
 +
The MQ-1 is equipped with a highly effective targeting pod, boasting thermal vision and enhanced zoom. This allows the operator to scout targets from a long distance, then being able to relay information to ground forces or close air support elements. Some important information that a drone operator can provide to the team are the location and movement of enemy ground vehicles, activity at enemy helipads, and the presence of incoming aircraft. Using the MQ-1 to survey the battlefield and relay targets is a tried and tested way of helping the team hold and capture objectives, critical for winning the game.  
 +
 
 +
; '''SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence)'''
 +
 
 +
It can be said that due to the MQ-1's ability to somewhat hide from radar (due to its small size and high altitude) it can be used to destroy enemy ground based anti-aircraft systems. This ensures that more well-armed allies, such as the [[AH-64 (Family)|AH-64]] Apache or the [[A-10A Late|A-10]] Thunderbolt II, can operate more freely as there are less air defence systems in place to destroy them. Clearing the way for close air support can help them to clear the ground and ensure victory.  
 +
 
 +
; '''Redeployment and Withdrawal'''
 +
 
 +
Due to the nature of the MQ-1's spawning midair and slow speed, it is extremely slow to re-arm the vehicle. The speed of the MQ-1 can be compared to biplane aircraft. It is often more cost effective to abandon the vehicle after the user has felt that its purpose has been served. This being said, the redeployment of the vehicle is possible in the sense that the MQ-1 can orbit different parts of a map. The MQ-1 has no problems climbing and gaining altitude, able to change areas of surveillance and relay further information to the team.  
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
−
'''Pros:'''  
+
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* High altitude spawn, above most radars at its battle rating
+
* Hellfire missiles are accurate and can be used at long ranges
−
* The Hellfire missiles are accurate and have a long range
+
* Can carry a lot of fuel, meaning a long loiter time
−
* Can carry a lot of fuel
+
* Has extremely high visibility of the whole battlefield with excellent thermal targeting pod
 +
* Small size can make it hard for enemies to detect and intercept at high altitudes
 +
* Quiet propeller engine
 +
* Tight turn radius with vertical pitch
 +
* Unmanned, does not suffer loss of pilot consciousness during high G maneuvers
 +
* Spawns close to the battlefield
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Limited payload, only two missiles
+
* Limited weapon payload
 +
* Slow, can make rearming and returning to battle impractical
 +
* Unarmored, components are extremely vulnerable to enemy fire
 +
* No countermeasures
 +
* Poor roll rate and negative pitch control
 +
* Hellfire targeting is limited to a downward angle in front of the drone, but not directly below
 +
* High spawn cost compared to other aircraft with equal or better payloads
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The MQ-1 Predator was an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by General Atomics for the USAF in the 1990s. General Atomics was selected for the development of the aircraft in 1994 with its first flight on the 3rd July 1994 at El Mirage Airfield in the Mojave Desert. The aircraft was derived from the General Atomics Gnat 750, which was a reconnaissance drone developed in the late 1980s.
  
−
The MQ-1 Predator was introduced to the US on 1 July 1995 and developed by General Atomics to be a observational and attack aircraft which could be remotely controlled over long distances. This would mean there would be no danger to the pilot since there wasn't a pilot. It was retired from the USAF on 9 March 2018 in favour of the more capable and heavier MQ-9 Reaper<ref>General Atomics MQ-1 Predator - Wikipedia</ref>.
+
The drone participated in a few exercises in 1995 as part of its ACTD (Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration). In this stage, it was flown by members of the US Navy, Air Force, Army, and the Marine Corps with successful results.
 +
 
 +
This lead to the decision to deploy the RQ-1 in 1995 as part of the peacekeeping missions in the Balkans, thus it was deployed in Albania and former Yugoslavia. Its first deployment en masse was during the War in Afghanistan in 2001. At that point, the US had 60 Predators in service but 20 were lost in action during the conflict. Reportedly, most of these losses were not due to enemy fire, instead due to reliability problems. The drone struggled with icy and cold weather conditions, which are normal in the mountains of Afghanistan. Thus the aircraft's development continued, incorporating a de-icing system, upgraded turbocharger, and improved avionics in what was called the Block 1 or MQ-1L.
 +
 
 +
Its armed version incorporated pylons for guided ammunition such as the Hellfire ATGM. Several tests were carried during the early 2000s with good results and several simulated targets being destroyed. These Predator models were put into service with the designation MQ-1A. Other tests occurred during 2001 after the CIA advocated to use the Hellfire armed version of the Predator to target high value targets like Osama Bin Laden, leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization. However these tests showed mixed results because of issues with the missile fuze that were later resolved.
 +
 
 +
In 2002, the Italian Armed Forces signed a contract for 6 x MQ-1A Predator drones in 2002 with the units being delivered in 2004. These units were used in Afghanistan, Djibouti and Iraq with more than 8,000 hours of flight until their retirement in 2022. Licenses for its sale were also given to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco and Egypt.
 +
 
 +
Starting in 2004, the Royal Air Force operated the MQ-1 Reaper with No.39 Squadron RAF based at Creech Air Force base, Nevada, USA as a part of the Joint Predator Task Force. They would fly their drones in action in conflicts in Afghanistan and Syria.
 +
 
 +
The Predator as a platform showed good results, being the main UAV in service with the USAF and other branches of the US Armed Forces until the arrival of the MQ-9 Reaper, which was itself a further development of the MQ-1. The aircraft was deployed to the Balkans, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Syria and several other locations where it was used not only in military operations but also as a counter-terrorist weapon. Because of its unmanned nature, it was often safer to use drones like the Predator to find and execute targets from afar without risking the lives of pilots or ground forces in the process.
 +
 
 +
The Predator remained in limited US service up to 2018 when it was completely retired in favour of the MQ-9 Reaper.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
[[File:MQ-1 Drone Wallpaper.jpg|thumb|none|MQ-1 UCAV equipped with two AGM-114 'Hellfire' missiles. ]]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 110: Line 153:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
'''Other Strike UCAVs:'''
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
* [[Orion]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Wing Loong I]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 119: Line 162:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wikipedia:General_Atomics_MQ-1_Predator|[Wikipedia] General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer General Atomics}}
 
{{AirManufacturer General Atomics}}
 
{{Strike UCAVs}}
 
{{Strike UCAVs}}

Latest revision as of 21:11, 3 July 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
MQ-1
ucav_mq_1_predator.png
GarageImage MQ-1.jpg
MQ-1
USA flag.png USA
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

The MQ-1 is an American strike UCAV introduced in Update "Drone Age". This drone is not researchable and is only accessible for players in high-tier ground battles, costing 750 Spawn Points to spawn. The MQ-1 has a Battle Rating of 10.7 (AB/RB/SB). All in-game nations have access to this drone, except for the USSR and China who instead use the Orion and Wing Loong I respectively.

In the mid 1990s, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems was awarded a contract to build a new UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) for the US military, designated "RQ-1". Developed from the General Atomics Gnat 750, the "Predator", as the RQ-1 was named, would go on to serve in many conflicts around the world, including in Bosnia, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya starting in 1995. It would fill the role fill the role of remote recon and surveillance. After the drone was successfully tested carrying Hellfire missiles in 2001, the RQ-1 would also participate in the strike role, thereafter being redesignated as the "MQ-1". The RQ/MQ-1 Predator served extensively with the US military from 1995 until 2018, after which it was pulled out of service and replaced by the larger and more capable General Atomics MQ-9 "Reaper".

In-game, the MQ-1 is useful in cases where other CAS is unavailable or unable to be used, for example in night ground battles where players can take advantage of the the MQ-1's thermal imaging. Due to its relatively limited arsenal and low top speed, players are recommended to use the MQ-1 conservatively and as far away from the battlefield as possible in order to stay clear of enemy SPAA. After the armament of this drone is expended, it can be used to locate enemy vehicles for the team with its excellent optical zoom and thermals.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 000 m220 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude7 500 m
EngineSNECMA Atar 9C
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight1 t
Max speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
220 220 7500 22.0 22.0 2.5 2.5 250

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
390 450 N/A N/A N/A ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ > ___

Survivability and armour

Crew0 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear450 km/h

Aircraft survivability is an issue with most drone types, with drones having low top speeds and having sluggish maneuverability. The structural integrity of the MQ-1 is subpar, with even simple rifle-calibre machine guns being able to take it out. Larger weapons will do a significant damage to the drone, especially its fragile wings and unarmored body. The MQ-1 does not carry countermeasures, so it will not be able to effectively defend against incoming surface to air missiles.

One benefit of drones is that due to them being unmanned, the aircraft can sustain excessive G forces without a pilot blacking out.

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x
Main article: AGM-114K Hellfire II

The MQ-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 2 x AGM-114K Hellfire II missiles

Usage in battles

General Overview

As the MQ-1 has a limited payload, it is advised to use the drone for reconnaissance rather than to destroy the first two targets you see. This will ensure that your team is able to identify and deal with threats as best they can, while using the drone's weapons as backup in case of emergency situations. The MQ-1's slow speed will actually improve its performance in this role, as it will be able to act as a constant "eye in the sky" with its long loiter time.

Target Designation and Reconnaissance

The MQ-1 is equipped with a highly effective targeting pod, boasting thermal vision and enhanced zoom. This allows the operator to scout targets from a long distance, then being able to relay information to ground forces or close air support elements. Some important information that a drone operator can provide to the team are the location and movement of enemy ground vehicles, activity at enemy helipads, and the presence of incoming aircraft. Using the MQ-1 to survey the battlefield and relay targets is a tried and tested way of helping the team hold and capture objectives, critical for winning the game.

SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence)

It can be said that due to the MQ-1's ability to somewhat hide from radar (due to its small size and high altitude) it can be used to destroy enemy ground based anti-aircraft systems. This ensures that more well-armed allies, such as the AH-64 Apache or the A-10 Thunderbolt II, can operate more freely as there are less air defence systems in place to destroy them. Clearing the way for close air support can help them to clear the ground and ensure victory.

Redeployment and Withdrawal

Due to the nature of the MQ-1's spawning midair and slow speed, it is extremely slow to re-arm the vehicle. The speed of the MQ-1 can be compared to biplane aircraft. It is often more cost effective to abandon the vehicle after the user has felt that its purpose has been served. This being said, the redeployment of the vehicle is possible in the sense that the MQ-1 can orbit different parts of a map. The MQ-1 has no problems climbing and gaining altitude, able to change areas of surveillance and relay further information to the team.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Hellfire missiles are accurate and can be used at long ranges
  • Can carry a lot of fuel, meaning a long loiter time
  • Has extremely high visibility of the whole battlefield with excellent thermal targeting pod
  • Small size can make it hard for enemies to detect and intercept at high altitudes
  • Quiet propeller engine
  • Tight turn radius with vertical pitch
  • Unmanned, does not suffer loss of pilot consciousness during high G maneuvers
  • Spawns close to the battlefield

Cons:

  • Limited weapon payload
  • Slow, can make rearming and returning to battle impractical
  • Unarmored, components are extremely vulnerable to enemy fire
  • No countermeasures
  • Poor roll rate and negative pitch control
  • Hellfire targeting is limited to a downward angle in front of the drone, but not directly below
  • High spawn cost compared to other aircraft with equal or better payloads

History

The MQ-1 Predator was an unmanned aerial vehicle developed by General Atomics for the USAF in the 1990s. General Atomics was selected for the development of the aircraft in 1994 with its first flight on the 3rd July 1994 at El Mirage Airfield in the Mojave Desert. The aircraft was derived from the General Atomics Gnat 750, which was a reconnaissance drone developed in the late 1980s.

The drone participated in a few exercises in 1995 as part of its ACTD (Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration). In this stage, it was flown by members of the US Navy, Air Force, Army, and the Marine Corps with successful results.

This lead to the decision to deploy the RQ-1 in 1995 as part of the peacekeeping missions in the Balkans, thus it was deployed in Albania and former Yugoslavia. Its first deployment en masse was during the War in Afghanistan in 2001. At that point, the US had 60 Predators in service but 20 were lost in action during the conflict. Reportedly, most of these losses were not due to enemy fire, instead due to reliability problems. The drone struggled with icy and cold weather conditions, which are normal in the mountains of Afghanistan. Thus the aircraft's development continued, incorporating a de-icing system, upgraded turbocharger, and improved avionics in what was called the Block 1 or MQ-1L.

Its armed version incorporated pylons for guided ammunition such as the Hellfire ATGM. Several tests were carried during the early 2000s with good results and several simulated targets being destroyed. These Predator models were put into service with the designation MQ-1A. Other tests occurred during 2001 after the CIA advocated to use the Hellfire armed version of the Predator to target high value targets like Osama Bin Laden, leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization. However these tests showed mixed results because of issues with the missile fuze that were later resolved.

In 2002, the Italian Armed Forces signed a contract for 6 x MQ-1A Predator drones in 2002 with the units being delivered in 2004. These units were used in Afghanistan, Djibouti and Iraq with more than 8,000 hours of flight until their retirement in 2022. Licenses for its sale were also given to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco and Egypt.

Starting in 2004, the Royal Air Force operated the MQ-1 Reaper with No.39 Squadron RAF based at Creech Air Force base, Nevada, USA as a part of the Joint Predator Task Force. They would fly their drones in action in conflicts in Afghanistan and Syria.

The Predator as a platform showed good results, being the main UAV in service with the USAF and other branches of the US Armed Forces until the arrival of the MQ-9 Reaper, which was itself a further development of the MQ-1. The aircraft was deployed to the Balkans, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Syria and several other locations where it was used not only in military operations but also as a counter-terrorist weapon. Because of its unmanned nature, it was often safer to use drones like the Predator to find and execute targets from afar without risking the lives of pilots or ground forces in the process.

The Predator remained in limited US service up to 2018 when it was completely retired in favour of the MQ-9 Reaper.

Media

MQ-1 UCAV equipped with two AGM-114 'Hellfire' missiles.

See also

Other Strike UCAVs:

External links


General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)
Drones  MQ-1

Strike UCAVs
USA  MQ-1
USSR  Orion
China  Wing Loong I

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=MQ-1&oldid=189358"