The Air Force has lost two MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicles in the space of two days. One crashed upon landing at Balad AB, Iraq, on July 30, and another crashed off base on July 31. There were no injuries or other damage in either case. And, the service says there was no indication of hostile fire. As usual, the Air Force is investigating the incidents.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.