An Air Combat Command accident investigation board (AIB) has determined that pilot error led to the Nov. 2, 2008, crash of an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle in Afghanistan. According to the AIB, the pilot took an aggressive turn to avoid entering a no-fly zone, causing the UAV to spin out of control and crash. Contributing to the accident were these factors: the UAV had a Hellfire missile on its left wing, causing extra weight on the left; there was a significant crosswind; the autopilot did not limit the turn to 40 degrees of bank; and it is easy to over-control the Predator. (ACC April 2, 2009, release)
As the Space Force implements sweeping acquisition reforms over the next few years that will change the way it sets requirements, manages programs, and fields systems to operators, the head of its acquisition field command wants to ensure all of the change doesn’t disrupt program execution.