The failure of an ignition module in the engine of an MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle caused the aircraft to crash east of Ali Base, Iraq, May 2, 2008, Air Combat Command said Tuesday. According to the findings of ACC’s accident investigation board, the intermittent failure of the module caused loss of power, which subsequently resulted in loss of thrust. The pilot was unable to recover thrust control and the aircraft impacted the ground. The MQ-1, valued at $3.8 million, was assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech AFB, Nev. There were no injuries or damage to other property. (Langley report)
Second B-21 Will Be Used to Test Weapons and Mission Systems
Sept. 19, 2025
The second B-21 Raider, which flew for the first time Sept. 11, will be used to test weapons and mission systems for the new bomber, contractor Northrop Grumman said.
