Warplanes: September 21, 2001

Archives

The loss of a Predator Recon Drone over Iraq has been declared a combat loss, a technicality that allows the Pentagon to buy another one right away. There was some question that the aircraft might have been lost due to engine failure. The US isn't overly concerned over the loss of the Predator; the technology is "off the shelf" just so that nothing which falls into enemy hands will be an intelligence boost. The US lost a Predator over Bosnia in 1995 and at least two more over Kosovo and Serbia in 1999. There is growing concern that Iraq may shoot down more Predators and could eventually hit a manned aircraft. Another Predator crashed in Kosovo on 30 March when the pilot did not engage the heating system fast enough to prevent ice from making him lose control.--Stephen V Cole

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contribute. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   contribute   Close