An MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft crashed during an Operation Inherent Resolve sortie supporting operations over central Iraq last week, Air Force Central Command officials announced. Controllers lost contact with the RPA during mid-flight at approximately 12:50 p.m. local time on Jan. 7, and were unable to re-establish control of the Predator. The incident was due to technical failure rather than enemy fire, according to officials. The MQ-1 was completely destroyed on impact and posed no risk of falling into enemy hands. No injury to civilian or military personnel were reported, and the incident caused no significant damage to property, according to the release. The first MQ-1 lost in combat supporting OIR crashed in Syria last March. Counting a crash in Iraq last June, and two additional losses in a single week last October, the most recent incident brings OIR Predator losses to at least five. The cause of last week’s crash is currently under investigation.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.