Warplanes: March 29, 2003

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In the 1991 Gulf War, only one type of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was used, the Pioneer. In the 2001 Afghanistan campaign, three types of UAVs were used; Global Hawk, Pointer and Predator. In the current Iraq campaign, at least ten different models of UAVs are being used. Among those so far identified are; Hunter, Pointer, Shadow, Dragon Eye, Pioneer, Force Protection Surveillance System, Global Hawk and Predator. Not much is being reported about how these are being used, as such information makes it easier for the Iraqis to come up with ways to knock them down or deceive the cameras and other sensors carried. Over a hundred individual UAVs are in action. On March 25th, the Department of Defense did report that a Predator had used a Hellfire missile to destroy an Iraq self-propelled 23mm antiaircraft gun on March 22nd.