View source for General Atomics MQ-1 Predator

{{short description|Family of unmanned aerial vehicles}}
{{redirect2|Predator drone|Predator plane|other drones|Predator B|and|Predator C|other uses|Predator (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= RQ-1 / MQ-1 Predator
 |image= File:MQ-1 Predator, armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.jpg
 |image_caption=A [[US Air Force]] MQ-1 armed with [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] missiles
 |aircraft_type= Remote piloted aircraft/[[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[General Atomics Aeronautical Systems]]
 |first_flight= 3 July 1994
 |introduction= 1 July 1995
 |retired= 9 March 2018 (USAF)<ref name="ain13march18" />
 |status= In limited service
 |primary_user= [[United States Air Force]] (retired)
 |more_users = {{plainlist|
* [[Italian Air Force]] (retired)
* [[Turkish Air Force]]
* [[Royal Moroccan Air Force]]
}}
 |produced= 1995–2018
 |number_built= 360 (285 RQ-1, 75 MQ-1)<ref name="deagel.com" />
 |developed_from= [[General Atomics Gnat]]
 |variants= [[General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle]]
 |developed_into= [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper]]
}}

The '''General Atomics MQ-1 Predator''' (often referred to as the '''Predator drone''') is an American [[remotely piloted aircraft]] (RPA) built by [[General Atomics]] that was used primarily by the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) and [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA). Conceived in the early 1990s for [[aerial reconnaissance]] and forward observation roles, the Predator carries cameras and other sensors. It was modified and upgraded to carry and fire two [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] [[missile]]s or other munitions. The aircraft entered service in 1995, and saw combat in the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|war in Afghanistan]], [[Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa|Pakistan]], the [[NATO intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina|NATO intervention in Bosnia]], the [[NATO bombing of Yugoslavia]], the [[Iraq War]], [[Yemen]], the [[Libyan civil war (2011)|2011 Libyan civil war]], the [[American intervention in the Syrian civil war|2014 intervention in Syria]], and [[American military intervention in Somalia (2007–present)|Somalia]].

The USAF describes the Predator as a "Tier II" MALE UAS (medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system). The UAS consists of four aircraft or "air vehicles" with sensors, a [[UAV ground control station|ground control station]] (GCS), and a primary satellite link communication suite.<ref name="USAF Tier system scheme" /> Powered by a [[Rotax]] engine and driven by a propeller, the air vehicle can fly up to {{convert|400|nmi|mi km|lk=on|abbr=on}} to a target, loiter overhead for 14&nbsp;hours, then return to its base.

The MQ-1 Predator was the primary remotely piloted aircraft used for offensive operations by the USAF and the CIA in Afghanistan and the [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas|Pakistani tribal areas]] from 2001 until the introduction of the [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]]; it has also been deployed elsewhere. Because offensive uses of the Predator are [[Classified information in the United States|classified by the U.S.]], U.S. military officials have reported an appreciation for the intelligence and reconnaissance-gathering abilities of RPAs but declined to publicly discuss their offensive use.<ref name="Drone aircraft in a stepped-up war in Afghanistan and Pakistan" /> The United States Air Force retired the Predator in 2018, replacing it with the Reaper.<ref name="ain13march18">{{Cite web |last=Donald |first=David |date=13 March 2018 |title=U.S. Air Force Ends Predator Operations |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2018-03-13/us-air-force-ends-predator-operations |website=Aviation International News}}</ref>

Civilian applications for drones have included border enforcement and scientific studies, and to monitor wind direction and other characteristics of large forest fires (such as the drone that was used by the [[California Air National Guard]] in the August 2013 [[Rim Fire]]).<ref name="msn" />

==Development==
[[File:MQ-1 Predator P1230014.jpg|thumb|At [[Paris Air Show]] 2007]]
[[File:RQ-1 Predator.jpg|thumb|A Predator flies on a simulated Navy aerial reconnaissance flight off the coast of southern California on 5 December 1995.]]

The [[Central Intelligence Agency]] (CIA) and [[the Pentagon]] began experimenting with unmanned [[reconnaissance aircraft]] (drones) in the early 1980s. The CIA preferred small, lightweight, unobtrusive drones, in contrast to the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF). In the early 1990s, the CIA became interested in the "[[LSI Amber|Amber]]", a drone developed by Leading Systems, Inc.<ref name="spyflight.co.uk" /> The company's owner, [[Abraham Karem]], was the former chief designer for the [[Israeli Air Force]], and had immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1970s. Karem's company went bankrupt and was bought by a U.S. defense contractor, from whom the CIA secretly bought five drones (now called the "[[General Atomics Gnat|Gnat]]"). Karem agreed to produce a quiet engine for the vehicle, which had until then sounded like "a lawnmower in the sky". The new development became known as the "Predator".<ref name="penguin" /><ref name="indispensable" />

[[General Atomics Aeronautical Systems]] (GA) was awarded a contract to develop the Predator in January 1994, and the initial Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) phase lasted from January 1994 to June 1996. First flight took place on 3 July 1994 at the [[El Mirage Field|El Mirage airfield]] in the [[Mojave Desert]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Whittle|first1=Richard|title=Predator : The Secret Origins of the Drone Revolution|date=2014|publisher=Henry Holt and Co|location=New York|isbn=978-0-8050-9964-5|pages=85, 86|edition=First}}</ref> The aircraft itself was a derivative of the [[General Atomics Gnat|GA Gnat 750]]. During the ACTD phase, three systems were purchased from GA, comprising twelve aircraft and three ground control stations.<ref name="FOS" />

From April through May 1995, the Predator ACTD aircraft were flown as a part of the Roving Sands 1995 exercises in the U.S. The exercise operations were successful which led to the decision to deploy the system to the Balkans later in the summer of 1995.<ref name="FOS" />

During the ACTD, Predators were operated by a combined Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine team managed by the Navy's Joint Program Office for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (JPO-UAV) and first deployed to [[Gjader|Gjader, Albania]], for operations in the former [[Yugoslavia]] in spring 1995.<ref name="FOS" />

By the start of the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|United States Afghan campaign in 2001]], the USAF had acquired 60 Predators, but lost 20 of them in action.<ref>{{Cite web |title=- U.S. LESSONS LEARNED IN AFGHANISTAN |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-116hhrg38915/html/CHRG-116hhrg38915.htm |access-date=2022-08-11 |website=www.govinfo.gov}}</ref> Few if any of the losses were from enemy action, the worst problem apparently being foul weather, particularly icy conditions. Some critics within the Pentagon saw the high loss rate as a sign of poor operational procedures. In response to the losses caused by cold weather conditions, a few of the later USAF Predators were fitted with [[de-icing]] systems, along with an uprated turbocharged engine and improved avionics. This improved "Block 1" version was referred to as the "RQ-1B", or the "MQ-1B" if it carried munitions; the corresponding [[1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system|air vehicle designation]] was "RQ-1L" or "MQ-1L".

The Predator system was initially designated the '''RQ-1 Predator'''. The "R" is the [[United States Department of Defense]] designation for reconnaissance and the "Q" refers to an unmanned aircraft system.<ref name="A Short Primer on Military Aircraft Designations" /> The "1" describes it as being the first of a series of aircraft systems built for unmanned reconnaissance. Pre-production systems were designated as RQ-1A, while the RQ-1B (not to be confused with the Predator B, which became the [[MQ-9 Reaper]]) denotes the baseline production configuration. These are designations of the ''system'' as a unit. The actual aircraft themselves were designated RQ-1K for pre-production models, and RQ-1L for production models.<ref name="vector" /> In 2002, the USAF officially changed the designation to MQ-1 ("M" for multi-role) to reflect its growing use as an armed aircraft.<ref name="FS1" />

===Command and sensor systems===
During campaign in the former [[Yugoslavia]], a Predator's pilot would sit with several payload specialists in a van near the runway of the drone's operating base. Direct radio signals controlled the drone's takeoff and initial ascent, and then communications shifted to military satellite networks linked to the pilot's van. Pilots experienced a delay of several seconds between moving their [[Joystick|sticks]] and the drone's response. But by 2000, improvements in communications systems made it possible, at least in theory, to fly the drone remotely from great distances. It was no longer necessary to use close-up radio signals during the Predator's takeoff and ascent. The entire flight could be controlled by satellite from any [[command and control]] center with the right equipment. The CIA proposed to attempt over Afghanistan the first fully remote Predator flight operations, piloted from the agency's headquarters at [[Langley, Virginia|Langley]].<ref name="penguin1" />

The Predator air vehicle and sensors are controlled from the ground control station (GCS) via a [[C band (IEEE)|C-band]] [[Line-of-sight propagation|line-of-sight]] data link or a [[Ku band|K<sub>u</sub>-band]] satellite data link for beyond-line-of-sight operations. During flight operations the crew in the GCS is a pilot and two sensor operators. The aircraft is equipped with the AN/AAS-52 [[Multispectral imaging|Multi-spectral]] Targeting System, a color nose camera (generally used by the pilot for flight control), a variable aperture day-TV camera, and a variable aperture [[thermographic camera]] (for low light/night). Previously, Predators were equipped with a [[synthetic aperture radar]] for looking through smoke, clouds or haze, but lack of use validated its removal to reduce weight and conserve fuel. The cameras produce full motion video and the synthetic aperture radar produced still frame [[radar imaging|radar images]]. There is sufficient bandwidth on the datalink for two video sources to be used together, but only one video source from the sensor ball can be used due to design limitations. Either the daylight variable aperture or the infrared electro-optical sensor may be operated simultaneously with the synthetic aperture radar, if equipped.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}

All later Predators are equipped with a [[laser designator]] that allows the pilot to identify targets for other aircraft and even provide the [[laser guidance]] for manned aircraft. This laser is also the designator for the [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] that are carried on the MQ-1.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date= |title=MQ-1B Predator > Air Force > Fact Sheet Display |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104469/mq-1b-predator/ |accessdate=8 March 2022 |publisher=U.S. Air Force (af.mil)}}</ref>

===Deployment methodology===
[[File:MQ-1 Predator controls 2007-08-07.jpg|thumb|Predator operators at Balad Camp Anaconda, Iraq, August 2007]]

Each Predator air vehicle can be disassembled into six modules and loaded into a container. This enables all system components and support equipment to be rapidly deployed worldwide. The largest component is the ground control station (GCS) which is designed to roll into a [[C-130 Hercules]]. The Predator primary satellite link consists of a 6.1-meter (20-ft) satellite dish with associated support equipment. The satellite link provides communications between the GCS and the aircraft when it is beyond line-of-sight and links to networks that disseminate secondary intelligence. The RQ-1A system can operate on a 5,000 by 75 foot (1,524 meters by 23 meters) of hard surface runway with clear line-of-sight to each end from the GCS to the air vehicles. Initially, all components needed to be located on the same airfield.<ref name=":1" />

The U.S. Air Force used a concept called "Remote-Split Operations" where the satellite datalink is placed in a different location and is connected to the GCS through fiber optic cabling. This allows Predators to be launched and recovered by a small "Launch and Recovery Element" and then handed off to a "Mission Control Element" for the rest of the flight. This allows a smaller number of troops to be deployed to a forward location, and consolidates control of the different flights in one location.<ref name=":1" />

The improvements in the MQ-1B production version include an ARC-210 radio, an APX-100 IFF/SIF with mode 4, a glycol-weeping "wet wings" de-icing system, upgraded turbo-charged engine, fuel injection, longer wings, dual alternators as well as other improvements.<ref name=":1" />

On 18 May 2006, the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) issued a certificate of authorization which will allow the M/RQ-1 and [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|M/RQ-9]] aircraft to be used within U.S. civilian airspace to search for survivors of disasters. Requests had been made in 2005 for the aircraft to be used in [[search and rescue]] operations following [[Hurricane Katrina]], but because there was no FAA authorization in place at the time, the assets were not used. The Predator's [[infrared camera]] with digitally enhanced zoom has the capability of identifying the [[infrared signature]] of a human body from an altitude of 3&nbsp;km (10,000&nbsp;ft), making the aircraft an ideal search and rescue tool.<ref name="www2006" />

The longest declassified Predator flight {{asof|2011|lc=yes}} lasted for 40&nbsp;hours and 5&nbsp;minutes.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}} The total flight time reached 1 million hours in April 2010, according to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.<ref name="Predator-series UAVs surpass one million flight hours" />

===Armed versions===
[[File:AGM-114 Hellfire hung on a Predator drone.JPEG|thumb|Close-up of the [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire]] missile [[Weapons pylon|pylon]], 2004.]]

The USAF [[Big Safari|BIG SAFARI program office]] managed the Predator program and was directed on 21 June 2000 to explore armament options. This led to reinforced wings with munitions storage [[Weapons pylon|pylons]], as well as a [[laser designator]]. The RQ-1 conducted its first firing of a [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire]] [[anti-tank missile]] on 16 February 2001 over a bombing range near [[Creech Air Force Base|Indian Springs Air Force Station]] north of [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], with an inert AGM-114C successfully striking a tank target. Then on 21 February 2001 the Predator fired three Hellfire missiles, scoring hits on a stationary tank with all three missiles. Following the February tests, phase two involved more complex tests to hunt for simulated moving targets from greater altitudes with the more advanced AGM-114K version. The armed Predators were put into service with the designation MQ-1A. The Predator gives little warning of attack because it is relatively quiet and the Hellfire is supersonic, so it strikes before it is heard by the target.<ref name="vector" /><ref name="Predator missile launch test totally successful" /><ref>{{cite web | url = http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-q-1-predator-became-a-history-changing-deadly-missi-1760408544 | title = The Q-1 Predator Became A History-Changing Deadly Missile Slinger 15 Years Ago Today | work = Foxtrotalpha | publisher = Jalopnik | date = 21 February 2016 }}</ref>

In the winter of 2000–2001, after seeing the results of Predator reconnaissance in Afghanistan, [[Cofer Black]], head of the CIA's [[Counterterrorist Center]] (CTC), became a vocal advocate of arming the Predator with missiles to target [[Osama bin Laden]] in country. He believed that CIA pressure and practical interest were causing the USAF's armed Predator program to be significantly accelerated. Black, and "Richard", who was in charge of the CTC's [[Bin Laden Issue Station]], continued to press during 2001 for a Predator armed with Hellfire missiles.{{Citation needed|date=August 2011}}

Further weapons tests occurred between 22 May and 7 June 2001, with mixed results. While missile accuracy was excellent, there were some problems with missile fuzing. In the first week of June, in the Nevada desert, a Hellfire missile was successfully launched on a replica of bin Laden's Afghanistan [[Tarnak Farms|Tarnak]] residence. A missile launched from a Predator exploded inside one of the replica's rooms; it was concluded that any people in the room would have been killed. However, the armed Predator was not deployed before the [[September 11 attacks]]. 
<ref name="penguin2" />
<ref name="The CIA and the Predator Drone (2000–1)" />
<ref name="9-11commission15" />
<ref name="washingtonpost2002" />

The USAF also investigated using the Predator to drop battlefield ground sensors and to carry and deploy the [[Miniature UAVs#NRL "Dragon Eye", "Swallow" and "Finder"|"Finder"]] [[Miniature UAV|mini-UAV]].<ref name="vector" />

===Other versions and fate===
Two unarmed versions, known as the [[General Atomics ALTUS]] were built, ALTUS I for the [[Naval Postgraduate School]] and ALTUS II for the [[NASA]] [[ERAST Project]] in 1997 and 1996, respectively.<ref name="NASA Dryden Fact Sheet – ALTUS II" />

Based on the MQ-1 Predator, the [[General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle]] was developed for the U.S. Army.

The USAF ordered a total of 259 Predators, but due to retirements and crashes the number in Air Force operation had declined to 154 as of May 2014.  Budget proposals planned to retire the Predator fleet between FY 2015 and 2017 in favor of the larger [[MQ-9 Reaper]], which has greater payload and range.  The Predators were to be stored at [[Davis-Monthan Air Force Base]] or given to other agencies willing to take them.  The [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]]  showed interest, but already had higher-performance Reapers and were burdened with operating costs.  The [[U.S. Coast Guard]] also showed interest in land-based UAV surveillance.  Foreign sales were also an option, but the MQ-1 is subject to limitations of the [[Missile Technology Control Regime]] because it can be armed; export markets are also limited by the existence of the Reaper.<ref>[https://archive.today/20140517154223/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140513/DEFREG/305120020/Ready-for-Retirement-Can-Predator-Find-New-Home Ready for Retirement, Can Predator Find New Home?] – Defensenews.com, 13 May 2014</ref> Given the Predator's pending phase-out and its size, weight, and power limitations, the Air Force decided not to pursue upgrades to make it more effective in contested environments, and determined its only use in defended airspace would be as a decoy to draw fire away from other aircraft.<ref>[http://www.militarytimes.com/story/defense/air-space/isr/2015/08/04/smarter-deadlier-drone-upgrades-uav-predator-reaper-global-hawk/31125619/ Smarter, Deadlier UAV: USAF Looks at Upgrades] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904034214/http://www.militarytimes.com/story/defense/air-space/isr/2015/08/04/smarter-deadlier-drone-upgrades-uav-predator-reaper-global-hawk/31125619/ |date=4 September 2015 }} - ''[[Sightline Media Group|Military Times]]'', 5 August 2015</ref> Due to airborne surveillance needs after the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL) [[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)|invaded Iraq]], the Predator's retirement was delayed to 2018.  MQ-1s will probably be placed in non-recoverable storage at the Boneyard and not sold to allies, although antenna, ground control stations, and other components may be salvaged for continued use on other airframes.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-plans-to-end-mq-1-predator-operations-in-2018-415742/ USAF plans to end MQ-1 Predator operations in 2018] – Flightglobal.com, 14 August 2015</ref>

General Atomics completed the final RQ-1 ordered by Italy by October 2015, marking the end of Predator A production after two decades.  The last Predator for the USAF was completed in 2011; later Predator aircraft were built on the Predator XP assembly line.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/italian-delivery-marks-end-of-general-atomics-rq-1-p-420338/ Italian delivery marks end of General Atomics RQ-1 production] – Flightglobal.com, 23 December 2015.</ref>

The [[United States Air Force]] announced plans to retire the MQ-1 on 9 March 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/02/16/air-force-announces-official-retirement-date-for-iconic-mq-1-predator/|title=Air Force announces official retirement date for iconic MQ-1 Predator drone|last=Losey|first=Stephen|date=20 February 2018|work=[[Air Force Times]]}}</ref> The Predator was officially retired from USAF service in March 2018.<ref name="ain13march18" />

==Operational history==
[[File:General Atomics RQ-1A Predator USAF.jpg|thumb|RQ-1A Predator]]

As of March 2009, the U.S. Air Force had 195 MQ-1 Predators and 28 MQ-9 Reapers in operation.<ref name="choice" /> Predators and Reapers fired missiles 244 times in [[Iraq War|Iraq]] and [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] in 2007 and 2008. A report in March 2009 indicated that U.S. Air Force had lost 70 Predators in air crashes during its operational history. Fifty-five were lost to equipment failure, operator error, or weather. Five were shot down in [[NATO intervention in Bosnia|Bosnia]], [[1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|Kosovo]], Syria and Iraq.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2015/06/29/air-force-lost-predator-was-shot-down-in-syria/29474659/|title=Air Force: Lost Predator was shot down in Syria|work=Air Force Times |first=Brian|last=Everstine|date=7 August 2017}}</ref> Eleven more were lost to operational accidents on combat missions.<ref name="NYTimes2009-03-17" /> In 2012, the Predator, Reaper and [[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|Global Hawk]] were described as "the most accident-prone aircraft in the Air Force fleet."<ref name="bloomberg" />

On 3 March 2011, the U.S. Air Force took delivery of its last MQ-1 Predator in a ceremony at General Atomics' flight operations facility. Since its first flight in July 1994, the MQ-1 series accumulated over 1,000,000 flight hours<ref name=FS1 /> and maintained a fleet fully mission capable rate over 90 percent.<ref name="General Atomics Press Release" />

On 22 October 2013, the U.S. Air Force's fleets of MQ-1 Predators and [[MQ-9 Reaper]] remotely piloted aircraft reached 2,000,000 flight hours. The RPA program began in the mid-1990s, taking 16 years for them to reach 1 million flight hours. The 2 million hour mark was reached just two and a half years after that.<ref name="suasnews" />

On 9 March 2018, the U.S. Air Force officially retired the MQ-1 Predator from operational service. The aircraft was first operationally deployed in 1995 and in 2011 the last of 268 Predators were delivered to the service, of which just over 100 were still in service by the start of 2018. While the Predator was phased out by the Air Force in favor of the heavier and more capable MQ-9 Reaper, the Predator continues to serve in the [[MQ-1C Gray Eagle]] derivative for the U.S. Army as well as with several foreign nations.<ref name="ain13march18" />

===Squadrons and operational units===
During the initial ACTD phase, the [[United States Army]] led the evaluation program, but in April 1996, the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] selected the U.S. Air Force as the operating service for the RQ-1A Predator system. The [[3d Special Operations Squadron]] at [[Cannon Air Force Base]], [[11th Reconnaissance Squadron|11th]], [[15th Reconnaissance Squadron|15th]], [[17th Reconnaissance Squadron|17th]], and [[18th Reconnaissance Squadron]]s, [[Creech Air Force Base#Indian Springs history|Creech Air Force Base]], Nevada, and the [[Air National Guard]]'s [[163d Reconnaissance Wing]]<ref name=rf163 /> at [[March Air Reserve Base]], California, currently operate the MQ-1.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}

In 2005, the U.S. Department of Defense recommended retiring [[Ellington Airport (Texas)|Ellington Field]]'s [[147th Reconnaissance Wing|147th Fighter Wing]]'s [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] fighter jets (a total of 15 aircraft), which was approved by the [[Base Realignment and Closure]] committee. They will be replaced with 12 MQ-1 Predator UAVs, and the new unit should be fully equipped and outfitted by 2009.<ref name="Guard unit welcomes Predator, reconnaissance mission" /> The wing's combat support arm will remain intact. The 272d Engineering Installation Squadron, an Air National Guard unit currently located off-base, will move into Ellington Field in its place.

The 3d Special Operations Squadron is currently the largest Predator squadron in the [[United States Air Force]].<ref name="Factsheets : 3rd Special Operations Squadron" />

[[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] was reported in 2013 to be operating 10 Predators and to have requested 14 more.<ref name="Time" /><ref name="LA Now – Southern California" />

On 21 June 2009, the United States Air Force announced that it was creating a new MQ-1 squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base that would become operational by February 2011.<ref name="Officials choose bases for MQ-1, MQ-9 ground control stations" /> In September 2011, the U.S. [[Air National Guard]] announced that despite current plans for budget cuts, they will continue to operate the Air Force's combat UAVs, including MQ-1B.<ref name="AirForceWorld_MQ-1B_Air_Guard" />

On 28 August 2013, a Predator belonging to the [[163d Reconnaissance Wing]] was flying at 18,000 to 20,000&nbsp;feet over the [[Rim Fire]] in California providing infrared video of lurking fires, after receiving emergency approvals. Rules limit the Predator behavior; it must be accompanied by a manned aircraft, and its camera must only be active above the fire.<ref name="rf163" /><ref name="verticalmag" />

In September 2013, the [[Air Force Special Operations Command]] tested the ability to rapidly deploy Predator aircraft. Two MQ-1s were loaded into a [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]] in a cradle system that also carried a control terminal, maintenance tent, and the crew. The test was to prove the UAVs could be deployed and set up at an expeditionary base within four hours of landing. In a recent undisclosed deployment, airmen set up a portable hangar in a tent and a wooden taxiway to operate MQ-1s for a six-week period.<ref name="militarytimes" />

===The Balkans===
[[File:Predator MQ-1 (war trophy in Museum of Aviation, Belgrade, Serbia).jpg|thumb|A shot down RQ-1 Predator in the [[Aeronautical Museum Belgrade|Museum of Aviation]] in Belgrade, [[Serbia]]]]

The first overseas deployment took place in the [[Balkans]], from July to November 1995, under the name ''Nomad Vigil''. Operations were based in [[Gjader Air Base|Gjader]], Albania. Four disassembled Predators were flown into Gjadër airbase in a [[C-130 Hercules]]. The UAVs were assembled and flown first by civilian contract personnel. The U.S. deployed more than 70 military intelligence personnel. Intelligence collection missions began in 1995.<ref>{{Cite web |title=General Atomics MQ-1L Predator A |url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/general-atomics-mq-1l-predator/nasm_A20040180000 |access-date=6 August 2024 |website=National Air and Space Museum |language=en}}</ref> 

One of the Predators was lost over [[Krepšić]], near [[Brčko]], northern Bosnia, on 11 August 1995;<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=ЈЕДИНИЦА |date=2018-09-27 |title=Смрт Предатора изнад Републике Српске |url=https://www.crveneberetke.com/smrt-predatora-iznad-republike-srpske/ |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=Црвене беретке |language=sr-RS}}</ref> a second one was deliberately destroyed on 14 August after suffering an engine failure over Bosnia, which may have been caused by hostile ground fire.<ref>Norman Polmar, ''The Naval Institute guide to the ships and aircraft of the U.S. fleet'' (2005) p. 479.</ref> Serb forces claim the shooting down of a third Predator over [[Nevesinje]], Herzegovina, on 5  September, during [[Operation Deliberate Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=ЈЕДИНИЦА |date=2018-09-27 |title=Смрт Предатора изнад Републике Српске |url=https://www.crveneberetke.com/smrt-predatora-iznad-republike-srpske/ |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=Црвене беретке |language=sr-RS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lakić |first=Marko |date=16 January 2023 |title=Budućnost je počela 1995. kod Nevesinja kada su Srbi oborili prvi dron u istoriji |url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/clanak/532808/Buducnost-je-pocela-1995-kod-Nevesinja-kada-su-Srbi-oborili-prvi-dron-u-istoriji |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Politika Online |language=Sr}}</ref> The wreckage of the first Predator was handed over to Russia, according to Serb sources.<ref name=":0">[http://tealgroup.com/images/TGCTOC/sample-wmuav2.pdf RQ-1 Predator/MQ-9 Reaper] June 2019, p. 30</ref> Its original 60-day stay was extended to 120 days. The following spring, in March 1996, the system was redeployed to the Balkans area and operated out of [[Taszar]], Hungary.<ref>Houston R. Cantwell, ''RADM Thomas J. Cassidy’s MQ-1 Predator: the USAF’s first UAV success story'', Air Command and Staff College Air University (Apr 2006)</ref>

Several others were destroyed in the course of [[Operation Noble Anvil]], the 1999 NATO bombing of [[Yugoslavia]]:
* One aircraft (serial 95-3017) was lost on 18 April 1999, following fuel system problems and icing.<ref name="AFPN report" />
* A second aircraft (serial 95-3019) was lost on 13 May, when it was shot down by a Serbian [[SA-9 Gaskin|Strela-1M]] [[surface-to-air missile]] over the village of Biba. A Serbian TV crew videotaped this incident.<ref name="loss" />
* A third aircraft (serial number 95-3021) crashed on 20 May near the town of Talinovci, and Serbian news reported that this, too, was the result of anti-aircraft fire.<ref name="loss" /><ref name="aeronautics" />

===Afghanistan===
In 2000, a joint CIA-DoD effort was agreed to locate [[Osama bin Laden]] in Afghanistan. Dubbed "Afghan Eyes", it involved a projected 60-day trial run of Predators over the country. The first experimental flight was held on 7 September 2000. White House security chief [[Richard A. Clarke]] was impressed by the resulting video footage; he hoped that the drones might eventually be used to target Bin Laden with cruise missiles or armed aircraft. Clarke's enthusiasm was matched by that of [[Cofer Black]], head of the CIA's Counterterrorist Center (CTC), and [[Charles E. Allen|Charles Allen]], in charge of the CIA's intelligence-collection operations. The three men backed an immediate trial run of reconnaissance flights. Ten out of the ensuing 15 Predator missions over Afghanistan were rated successful. On at least two flights, a Predator spotted a tall man in white robes at bin Laden's [[Tarnak Farm]] compound outside [[Kandahar]]; the figure was subsequently deemed to be "probably bin Laden".<ref name="9-11commission189" /> By October 2000, deteriorating weather conditions made it difficult for the Predator to fly from its base in [[Uzbekistan]], and the flights were suspended.<ref name="penguin3" />

[[File:Predator and Hellfire.jpg|thumb|Predator launching a Hellfire missile]]

On 16 February 2001 at [[Nellis Air Force Base]], a Predator successfully fired three Hellfire [[AGM-114 Hellfire|AGM-114C]] missiles into a target. The newly armed Predators were given the designation of MQ-1A. In the first week of June 2001, a Hellfire missile was successfully launched on a replica of bin Laden's Afghanistan [[Tarnak Farms|Tarnak]] residence built at a Nevada testing site. A missile launched from a Predator exploded inside one of the replica's rooms; it was concluded that any people in the room would have been killed. On 4 September 2001 (after the Bush cabinet approved a Qaeda/Taliban plan), CIA chief Tenet ordered the agency to resume reconnaissance flights. The Predators were now weapons-capable, but did not carry missiles because the host country (presumably Uzbekistan) hadn't granted permission.

Subsequent to 9/11, approval was quickly granted to ship the missiles, and the Predator aircraft and missiles reached their overseas location on 16 September 2001. The first mission was flown over [[Kabul]] and [[Kandahar]] on 18 September without carrying weapons. Subsequent host nation approval was granted on 7 October and the first armed mission was flown on the same day.<ref name="9-11commission213" />
* In February 2002, armed Predators are thought to have been used to destroy a [[sport utility vehicle]] belonging to suspected Taliban leader Mullah [[Mullah Omar|Mohammed Omar]] and mistakenly killed Afghan scrap metal collectors near [[Zhawar Kili]] because one of them resembled [[Osama bin Laden]].<ref name="entrepreneurship" /><ref name="technology" />
* On 4 March 2002, a CIA-operated Predator fired a Hellfire missile into a reinforced Taliban machine gun bunker that had pinned down an [[75th Ranger Regiment (United States)|Army Ranger]] team whose [[CH-47 Chinook]] had crashed on the top of [[Takur Ghar]] Mountain in Afghanistan. Previous attempts by flights of [[F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15]] and [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16 Fighting Falcon]] aircraft were unable to destroy the bunker. This action took place during what has become known as the "[[Battle of Takur Ghar|Battle of Roberts Ridge]]", a part of [[Operation Anaconda]]. This appears to be the first use of such a weapon in a [[close air support]] role.<ref name="discovery2007" />
* On 6 April 2011, 2 US soldiers were killed in Afghanistan when the Predator had its first friendly fire incident. This occurred when observers in Indiana did not relay their doubts about the target to the operators at [[Creech Air Force Base]] in Nevada.<ref name="latimes" />

On 5 May 2013, an MQ-1 Predator surpassed 20,000 flight hours over Afghanistan by a single Predator. Predator P107 achieved the milestone while flying a 21-hour combat mission; P107 was first delivered in October 2004.

===Pakistan===
{{Main|Drone attacks in Pakistan by the United States}}

From at least 2003 until 2011, the U.S. [[Central Intelligence Agency]] has allegedly been operating the drones out of [[Shamsi airfield]] in Pakistan to attack militants in Pakistan's [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas]].<ref name="Google Earth Reveals Secret History of US Base in Pakistan" /><ref name="About those missing Predator drones: It wasn't censorship after all" />  During this period, the MQ-1 Predator fitted with [[Hellfire missile]]s was successfully used to kill a number of prominent [[Al-Qaeda|al Qaeda]] operatives.<ref name="abc1" />

On 13 January 2006, 18 civilians were unintentionally killed by the Predator. According to Pakistani authorities, the U.S. strike was based on faulty intelligence.<ref name="USAToday article" /><ref name="telegraph2006" /><ref name="The New Al-Qaeda Central: Far From Declining, the Network Has Rebuilt, With Fresh Faces and a Vigorous Media Arm" />

===Iraq===
[[File:MQ-1B Predator unmanned aircraft.jpg|thumb|An MQ-1B Predator from the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron takes off 9 July 2008 from [[Ali Air Base|Ali Base]], Iraq.]]

An Iraqi [[MiG-25]] shot down a Predator performing reconnaissance over the [[no fly zone]] in Iraq on 23 December 2002. This was the first time in history a conventional aircraft and a drone had engaged each other in combat. Predators had been armed with [[AIM-92 Stinger]] air-to-air missiles, and were purportedly being used to "bait" Iraqi fighters, then run. However, the Predator's maximum speed is {{cvt|1,800|mph|km/h}} lower than the MiG-25's, and its service ceiling is nearly {{cvt|60,000|ft|m}} lower, making the "run" segment of any "bait and run" mission a difficult task. In this incident, the Predator did not run (or could not run fast enough), but instead fired one of its Stingers. The Stinger's heat-seeker became "distracted" by the MiG's missile and missed the MiG. The Predator was hit by the MiG's missile and destroyed.<ref name="cbs2" /><ref name="atwar1999" /> Another two Predators had been shot down earlier by Iraqi [[Surface-to-air missile|SAMs]].<ref name="institute" />

During the initial phases of the [[2003 invasion of Iraq|2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq]], a number of older Predators were stripped down and used as decoys to entice Iraqi air defenses to expose themselves by firing.<ref name="vector" /><ref name="cbs2" /> From July 2005 to June 2006, the [[15th Reconnaissance Squadron]] participated in more than 242 separate raids, engaged 132 troops in contact-force protection actions, fired 59 Hellfire missiles; surveyed 18,490 targets, escorted four convoys, and flew 2,073 sorties for more than 33,833 flying hours.<ref name="www20064" />

[[Iraqi insurgency (Iraq War)|Iraqi insurgents]] intercepted video feeds, which were not encrypted, using a $26 piece of Russian software named [[SkyGrabber]].<ref name="Insurgents Hack U.S. Drones – WSJ.com" /><ref name="Iraq rebels 'hack into US drones'" /> The encryption for the [[ROVER]] feeds was removed for performance reasons.<ref name="Iraqi insurgents hacked Predator drone feeds, U.S. official indicates" /> Work to secure the data feeds was to be completed by 2014.<ref name="Fixes on the way for nonsecure UAV links – Air Force News, news from Iraq" />

On 27 June 2014, the Pentagon confirmed that a number of armed Predators had been sent to Iraq along with U.S. Special Forces following advances by the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]. The Predators were flying 30 to 40 missions a day in and around Baghdad with government permission, and intelligence was shared with Iraqi forces.<ref>[http://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/unmanned_aircraft_predator_armed_with_hellfire_missiles_used_in_iraq_to_protected_u.s._advisers_2806.html Unmanned aircraft Predator armed with Hellfire missiles used in Iraq to protected U.S. advisers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630200018/http://www.armyrecognition.com/june_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/unmanned_aircraft_predator_armed_with_hellfire_missiles_used_in_iraq_to_protected_u.s._advisers_2806.html |date=30 June 2014 }} – Armyrecognition.com, 28 June 2014</ref> On 8 August 2014, an MQ-1 Predator fired a missile at a militant mortar position.<ref>[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/aug/8/us-launches-second-round-airstrikes-against-isil-o/ U.S. launches second round of airstrikes against ISIL, officials say] – ''[[The Washington Times]]'', 8 August 2014</ref> From the beginning of [[Operation Inherent Resolve]] to January 2016, five USAF Predators were lost; four crashed from technical failures in Iraq, one in June 2015, two in October 2015, and one in January 2016.<ref>[http://airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pages/2016/January%202016/January%2012%202016/Another-Predator-Bites-the-Dust.aspx Another Predator Bites the Dust] – Airforcemag.com, 12 January 2016</ref>

===Yemen===
{{Main|CIA activities in Yemen}}

On 3 November 2002, a [[AGM-114 Hellfire|Hellfire missile]] was fired at a car in [[Yemen]], killing [[Qaed Salim Sinan al-Harethi]], an al-Qaeda leader thought to be responsible for the [[USS Cole bombing|USS ''Cole'' bombing]]. It was the first direct U.S. strike in the [[War on Terrorism]] outside [[Afghanistan]].<ref name="abc1" /><ref name="mit2002" />

In 2004, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC-TV) international affairs program ''Foreign Correspondent'' investigated this [[targeted killing]] and the involvement of the then U.S. Ambassador as part of a special report titled "The Yemen Option". The report also examined the evolving tactics and countermeasures in dealing with Al Qaeda inspired attacks.<ref name="The Yemen Option" /><ref name="Interview with James Bamford on the National Security Agency" />

On 30 September 2011, a Hellfire fired from an American [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]] killed [[Anwar al-Awlaki]], an American-citizen cleric and Al Qaeda leader, in Yemen.<ref name="nytimes" /> Also killed was [[Samir Khan]], an American born in [[Saudi Arabia]], who was editor of al-Qaeda's English-language webzine, ''[[Inspire (magazine)|Inspire]]''.

On 14 February 2017, a United Arab Emiates [[UAV]] MQ-1B was shot down by Houthi anti-aircraft missile over Marib province.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/19488/infographic-saudi-coalition-and-us-aircraft-losses-in-yemen-war/|title=Infographic: Saudi Coalition and US Aircraft Losses in Yemen War|date=25 June 2021|quote=UAE MQ-1B Predator UAV, February 14, 2017, Al-Manin, Marib Province}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/193614|title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 193614|date=19 February 2017|work=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref>

On 14 May 2019, a [[United Arab Emirates]] MQ-1 Predator was shot down by Houthi fire during a night flight in Saana, Houthi fighters used an [[air-to-air missile]] (R-27T or R-73) with a modified land operator device.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=225233|title=Incident General Atomics MQ-1 Predator , 14 May 2019|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=28099|title=Predator zestrzelony nad Jemenem|website=www.altair.com.pl}}</ref>

On 25 February 2022, Houthi forces shot down a [[United Arab Emirates Air Force|UAEAF]] MQ-1 drone of the Saudi led Coalition in Al-Jawf province. Publishing footage of the drone wreck and photos.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.iswnews.com/22887/ansar-allah-destroys-the-fourth-mq-1-drone-in-yemen-video/|title=Ansar Allah destroys the fourth MQ-1 drone in Yemen + Video|date=25 February 2022|work=Islamic World News}}</ref>

===Libya===
U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predators have been involved in reconnaissance and strike sorties in [[Operation Unified Protector]]. An MQ-1B fired its first Hellfire missile in the conflict on 23 April 2011, striking a [[BM-21 Grad]].<ref name="Qaddafi Forces Struck by First U.S. Drone as Rebels Say They Hold Misrata" /><ref name="U.S. Carries Out First Drone Strike in Libya: Pentagon" /> There are also some suggestions that a Predator was involved in the final attack against [[Gaddafi]].<ref name="U.S. Drone Involved in Final Qaddafi Strike, as Obama Heralds Regime's 'End'" />

Predators returned to Libya in 2012, after [[U.S. Consulate attack in Benghazi|the attack]] that killed the US Ambassador in [[Benghazi]]. MQ-9 Reapers were also deployed.<ref name="Libyan officials: U.S. drones behind airport closure" />

===Somalia===
On 7 March 2016, US Predator drones attacked an [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|al-Shabaab]] training camp south of [[Kismayo]]. [[Ibrahim al-Afghani]], a senior al-Shabaab leader was rumored to be killed in the strike.<ref name="Senior Shabaab commander rumored to have been killed in recent Predator strike" />

Four al-Shabaab fighters, including a Kenyan, were killed in a drone strike late February 2012.<ref name="US Drone Strike Kills 4 in Somalia" />

===Iran===
On 1 November 2012, two Iranian [[Sukhoi Su-25]] attack aircraft engaged an unarmed Predator conducting routine surveillance over the [[Persian Gulf]] just before 05:00 EST. The Su-25s made two passes at the drone firing their 30&nbsp;mm cannon; the Predator was not hit and returned to base.<ref name=wired_Nov_8 /> The incident was not revealed publicly until 8 November. The U.S. stated that the Predator was over international waters, {{convert|16|mi|km}} away from Iran and never entered its airspace.<ref name="wired_Nov_8" /><ref name="militarytimes_Nov_9" /> Iran states that the drone entered Iran's airspace and that its aircraft fired warning shots to drive it away.<ref name=militarytimes_Nov_9 />

On 12 March 2013, an Iranian [[F-4 Phantom]] pursued an MQ-1 flying over the Persian Gulf. The unarmed reconnoitering Predator was approached by the F-4, coming within 16&nbsp;miles of the UAV. Two U.S. fighters were escorting the Predator and verbally warned the jet, which made the Iranian F-4 break off. All American aircraft remained over international waters. An earlier statement by the Pentagon that the escorting planes fired a flare to warn the Iranian jet was later amended.<ref name="militarytimes5" /> The Air Force later revealed that the American jet that forced the Iranian F-4 to break off was an [[F-22 Raptor]].<ref name="military" />

===Syria===

Armed MQ-1s are used in [[Operation Inherent Resolve]] against IS over Syria and Iraq. On 17 March 2015, a US MQ-1 was shot down by a Syrian government [[S-125]] SAM battery when it overflew the port of [[Latakia]], a region not involved in the international military operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theaviationist.com/2015/03/17/mq-1-shot-down-syria/|title=U.S. drone crashed in Syria. Probably shot down by a Syrian SA-3 surface to air missile|date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/03/17/middleeast/syria-us-drone/|title=Syria says it shot down U.S. drone |first=Roba |last=Alhenawi|date=17 March 2015 |publisher=CNN}}</ref>

===Philippines===
A 2012 ''[[New York Times]]'' article claimed that U.S. forces used a Predator drone to try and kill Indonesian terrorist [[Umar Patek]] in the [[Philippines]] in 2006. [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|The Philippines' military]] denied this action took place, however.<ref name="abs-cbnnews" /> It was reported that a drone was responsible for killing al-Qaeda operative [[Zulkifli bin Hir]] on [[Jolo island]] on 2 February 2012. The strike reportedly killed 15 Abu Sayyaf operatives.<ref name="atimes" /><ref name="brookings" /> The Philippines stated the strike was executed by manned North American / Rockwell [[OV-10]] Bronco aircraft with assistance from the U.S.<ref name="wenatcheeworld" />

===Other users===
The Predator has also been used by the [[Aeronautica Militare|Italian Air Force]]. A contract for 6 version A Predators (later upgraded to A+) was signed in July 2002 and delivery begun in December 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aviation-report.com/dblog/articolo.asp?articolo%3D303 |title=10000 ORE DI VOLO PER I PREDATOR DELL'AERONAUTICA MILITARE - aviazione militare aerei militari military aviation report fotografici di manifestazioni aeree e visite alle basi aeree air show aviation photos |access-date=11 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812202631/http://www.aviation-report.com/dblog/articolo.asp?articolo=303 |archive-date=12 August 2014 }}</ref> It was used in these missions:
* Iraq, Tallil: from January 2005 to November 2006 for "Antica Babilonia" mission (1.600 hours flew)
* Afghanistan, Herat: from June 2007 to January 2014 (beginning with Predator A, then A+ and finally replaced by MQ-9 Reaper). Flew 6.000 hours in 750 missions only from June 2007 to May 2011.
* Djibouti: 2 x Predator A+, since 6 August 2014 for support Atalanta EU mission – counter piracy – and for EUTM mission in Somalia (first mission flew 9 August 2014; detachment of about 70 Italian air force airmen<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wikilao.com/jml2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=674:cresce-l-impegno-italiano-nel-corno-d-africa&catid=113:cat-italia&Itemid=490&lang=it|title=CRESCE L'IMPEGNO ITALIANO NEL CORNO D'AFRICA|author=Wikilao|work=wikilao|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206232643/http://www.wikilao.com/jml2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=674:cresce-l-impegno-italiano-nel-corno-d-africa&catid=113:cat-italia&Itemid=490&lang=it|url-status=dead}}</ref> )

Two civil-registered unarmed MQ-1s have been operated by the [[Office of the National Security Advisor]] in the [[Philippines]] since 2006.<ref name="Philippines operation 2006 details" />

The Predator has been licensed for sale to Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.<ref name="MQ-1 Predator for Egypt" />

==Variants==
{{About|MQ-1 Predator variants|the larger, derivative MQ-9 Reaper or "Predator B"|General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|section=yes}}
{{More citations needed section|date=November 2010}}

;RQ-1 series
* '''RQ-1A''': Pre-production designation for the Predator system – four aircraft, Ground Control Station (GCS), and Predator Primary Satellite Link (PPSL).
** '''RQ-1K''': Pre-production designation for individual airframe.
* '''RQ-1B''': Production designation for the Predator UAV system.
** '''RQ-1L''': Production designation for individual airframe.

;MQ-1 series
: The M designation differentiates Predator airframes capable of carrying and deploying ordnance.
* '''MQ-1A Predator''': Early airframes capable of carrying ordnance ([[AGM-114]] Hellfire ATGM or [[AIM-92 Stinger]]). Nose-mounted AN/ZPQ-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar removed.
* '''MQ-1B Predator''': Later airframes capable of carrying ordnance. Modified antenna fit, including introduction of spine-mounted VHF fin. Enlarged dorsal and ventral air intakes for Rotax engine.
** MQ-1B Block 10 / 15: Current production aircraft include updated avionics, datalinks, and countermeasures, modified [[v-tail]] planes to avoid damage from ordnance deployment, upgraded AN/AAS-52 Multi-Spectral Targeting System, wing deicing equipment, secondary daylight and infrared cameras in the nose for pilot visual in case of main sensor malfunction, and a 3&nbsp;ft (0.91&nbsp;m) wing extension from each wingtip. Some older MQ-1A aircraft have been partially retrofitted with some Block 10 / 15 features, primarily avionics and the modified tail planes.

;Predator XP: Export variant of the Predator designed specifically to be unable to carry weapons to allow for wider exportation opportunities. Markets for it are expected in the Middle East and Latin America.<ref name="armyrecognition" /> First flight on 27 June 2014.  Features [[winglets]] with an endurance of 35 hours and a service ceiling of {{cvt|25,000|ft|m}}.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/export-licensed-predator-makes-maiden-flight-400992/ Export-licensed Predator makes maiden flight] – Flightglobal.com, 9 July 2014</ref> Is equipped with the Lynx [[synthetic aperture radar]], may contain [[laser rangefinder]] and [[laser designator]] for target illumination for other aircraft.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-uaes-predator-xp-procurement-paves-way-for-f-418878/ UAE’s Predator XP procurement paves way for future sales] – Flightglobal.com, 10 November 2015</ref>

;MQ-1C
{{Main|General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle}}

;MQ-1C 25M
General Atomics MQ-1C 25M Gray Eagle The “M” in 25M refers to “Modernized,” including open architecture ground and aerial systems, advanced datalinks, and an improved propulsion system. This dramatically improves the capacity for developing new capabilities, supplying electronic threat resistance, and delivering expeditionary employment to remote areas 
<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eurasiantimes.com/precisely-what-the-army-needs-us-unveils-gray-eagle-25m/ | title=Precisely What the Army Needs! US Unveils Upgraded Gray Eagle 25M Drones That Developer Says Has More Capability, Processing & Performance | date=12 October 2022 }}</ref> 

The U.S. Army selected the ''MQ-1C Warrior'' as the winner of the Extended-Range Multi-Purpose UAV competition August 2005.  The aircraft became operational in 2009 as the ''MQ-1C Gray Eagle''.

==Operators==
[[File:General Atomics MQ-1 Predator operators.png|thumb|350px|Operators of the aircraft.]]
[[File:RQ-1 Predator in Iraq 2006-05-04 F-0000R-004.jpg|thumb|Three contract maintainers walk an RQ-1 into a shelter at [[Joint Base Balad|Balad Air Base]], Iraq in 2006.]]
[[File:UAV Predator Italian Air Force.JPG|thumb|RQ-1 Predator of the [[Italian Air Force]]]]

;{{MAR}}
* [[Royal Moroccan Air Force]] received four Predator A aircraft.<ref name="armada" /><ref name="wordpress" /><ref name="reuters" />

;{{TUR}}
* As of 2008, the [[Turkish Air Force]]<ref name="Turkish army seeks procurement agency to bid for US Predators" /> The Turkish Air Force has 6 MQ-1 Predators on order via the USA's [[Foreign Military Sales]] mechanism. The Turkish Air Force also operates 3 MQ-1 Predator systems on lease from the US as a stop gap measure as of 2011. The leased MQ-1s are under Turkish command (UAV Base Group Command) but operated by a joint Turkish-US unit.<ref name="hurriyetdailynews" /><ref name="Turkey in command of newly deployed Predators' missions" />

;{{ARE}}
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] signed a US$197 million deal in February 2013 for an unspecified number of Predators, XP version, marking its first sale.<ref name="flightglobal" /> One system of four aircraft is planned to begin delivery in mid-2016.<ref>[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2015-11-09/general-atomics-plans-predator-xp-deliveries-uae General Atomics Plans Predator XP Deliveries to UAE] – Ainonline.com, 9 November 2015</ref> General Atomics stated on 16 February 2017 that it finished deliveries, declining comment on the number delivered.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Binnie|first1=Jeremy|title=General Atomics confirms UAE Predator delivery|url=http://www.janes.com/article/67797/|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=16 February 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170216234226/http://www.janes.com/article/67797/general-atomics-confirms-uae-predator-delivery|archive-date=16 February 2017|location=London|date=16 February 2017}}</ref>

;{{USA}}
*United States Air Force, officially retired in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Losey |first1=Stephen |title=Air Force announces official retirement date for iconic MQ-1 Predator drone |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/02/16/air-force-announces-official-retirement-date-for-iconic-mq-1-predator/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Air Force Times |date=20 February 2018 |language=en}}</ref> One MQ-1B still active {{as of|lc=y|2023}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=2024 USAF & USSF Almanac: Equipment |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/2024-usaf-ussf-almanac-equipment/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Air & Space Forces Magazine |date=7 June 2024}}</ref>

===Former operators===
;{{ITA}}
* [[Italian Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/Mezzi/velivoliDotazione/Pagine/MQ-1CPredator.aspx|title=Il portale dell'Aeronautica Militare – MQ-1C Predator A+|access-date=6 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211045611/http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/Mezzi/velivoliDotazione/Pagine/MQ-1CPredator.aspx|archive-date=11 February 2015}}</ref> retired on 19 December 2022.<ref name="AFMFEB23-11">{{cite book|title=[[AirForces Monthly]]|date=February 2023|publisher=[[Key Publishing|Key Publishing Ltd]]|location=[[Stamford, Lincolnshire|Stamford]], [[Lincolnshire]], [[England]]|pages=11}}</ref>
** [[32° Stormo]] (32nd Wing) Armando Boetto—[[Foggia]], [[Amendola Air Force Base]]
*** 28° Gruppo (28th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron)
*** 61° Gruppo (61st Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron)

;{{UK}}
* [[Royal Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ga.com/reaper-takes-to-the-air |title=Reaper Takes to the Air |website=General Atomics |date=8 November 2007 |access-date=11 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Hoyle |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/uk-cheers-the-reaper-uav/80945.article |title=UK cheers the Reaper UAV |website=Flight Global |date=16 June 2008 |access-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202122523/https://www.flightglobal.com/uk-cheers-the-reaper-uav/80945.article |archive-date=2 February 2023}}</ref>
** [[Creech Air Force Base]], Nevada
*** No. 1115 Flight (2004–2007)
*** [[No. 39 Squadron RAF|No. 39 Squadron]] (2007–20??)

;{{USA}}
* [[U.S. Army]] (RQ-1)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=The US Navy May End Up Flying the Air Force's Unwanted MQ-1 Predator Drones |url=https://www.twz.com/17874/the-us-navy-may-end-up-flying-the-air-forces-unwanted-mq-1-predator-drones |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=The War Zone |date=22 January 2018}}</ref>
* [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]]
* [[Central Intelligence Agency]]
** [[Special Operations Group (CIA)|Special Operations Group]] in [[Langley, VA]]<ref name="americanspecialops" />

==Aircraft on display==
[[File:MQ1 O.Manley.jpg|thumb|MQ-1B 03-3120 on display at the [[American Air Museum]], [[IWM Duxford]]]]
===Serbia===
* 95-3021 – RQ-1K on static display at the [[Aeronautical Museum Belgrade]] in [[Belgrade]]. It was lost during [[Operation Allied Force]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dženeral Atomiks Predator |url=http://www.muzejvazduhoplovstva.org.rs/eksponati.php?jez=sr&id=37 |website=Aeronautical Museum Belgrade |access-date=12 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920055125/http://www.muzejvazduhoplovstva.org.rs/eksponati.php?jez=sr&id=37 |archive-date=20 September 2021 |language=Serbian}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
* 03-3119 – MQ-1B on static display at the [[Royal Air Force Museum London]] in [[London]].<ref>{{cite news |title=General Atomics MQ-1B Predator |url=http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/collections/general-atomics-mq-1b-predator |newspaper=Raf Museum |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Simpson |first1=Andrew |title=Individual History: General Atomics MQ-1B Predator UAV s/n 03-3119 |url=http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/documents/collections/L001-0006_Predator_UAV.pdf |website=Royal Air Force Museum |access-date=12 June 2023 |date=2018}}</ref>
* 03-3120 – MQ-1B on static display at the [[American Air Museum]] at [[IWM Duxford]] in [[Duxford, Cambridgeshire]]. It was formerly operated by the [[432nd Wing]] of [[Creech Air Force Base]].<ref>{{cite web |title=IWM Duxford receives USAF rarity |url=https://squaredaviation.wixsite.com/squaredaviation/single-post/2019/07/26/iwm-duxford-receives-usaf-rarity |website=Square D Aviation |access-date=12 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206163445/http://squaredaviation.wixsite.com/squaredaviation/single-post/2019/07/26/iwm-duxford-receives-usaf-rarity |archive-date=6 December 2022 |date=26 July 2019}}</ref>

===United States===
* 94-3009 – RQ-1K on static display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]] in [[Dayton, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web |title=General Atomics Aeronautical Systems RQ-1 Predator |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196333/general-atomics-aeronautical-systems-rq-1-predator/ |website=National Museum of the United States Air Force |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref>
* 95-3013 – RQ-1K on static display at [[Goodfellow Air Force Base]] in [[San Angelo, Texas]]. Tail 13 was formerly deployed in support of [[NATO bombing of Yugoslavia|Operation Allied Force]]; it is noted for having been presumed lost on a mission due to loss of communications only to reappear at its base six hours later, allowing its crew to recover it.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Musal |first1=Stephen |title=Goodfellow dedicates Predator |url=http://www.goodfellow.af.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/374784/goodfellow-dedicates-predator |access-date=12 June 2023 |website=Goodfellow Air Force Base |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518033752/http://www.goodfellow.af.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/374784/goodfellow-dedicates-predator |archive-date=18 May 2022 |date=29 May 2009}}</ref>
* 95-3018 – RQ-1K is on static display at the [[San Diego Air & Space Museum]] in [[San Diego, California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=General Atomics RQ-1K Predator |url=http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/collection/item/general-atomics-rq-1k-predator |website=San Diego Air & Space Museum |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref>
* [[File:General Atomics MQ-1L Predator A at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 10 February 2024.jpg|thumb|MQ-1 97-3034 on display at [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]] (2024)]]97-3034 – MQ-1L on static display at the [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]] of the [[National Air and Space Museum]] in [[Chantilly, Virginia]]. It was the first Predator to launch a Hellfire missile as well as the first to do so operationally.<ref>{{cite web |title=General Atomics MQ-1L Predator A |url=http://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/uav-general-atomics-mq-1l-predator/nasm_A20040180000 |website=National Air and Space Museum |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Whittle |first1=Richard |title=Hellfire Meets Predator |url=http://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/hellfire-meets-predator-180953940 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |access-date=12 June 2023 |date=March 2015}}</ref>
* 00-3067 – MQ-1B on static display at the [[Pima Air & Space Museum]] in [[Tucson, Arizona]].<ref>{{cite web |title=General Atomics MQ-1B Predator |url=http://www.pimaair.org/museum-aircraft/general-atomics-mq-1b-predator |website=Pima Air & Space Museum |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref>
* 00-3069 – MQ-1B is on static display at the [[Hiller Aviation Museum]] in [[San Carlos, California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=General Atomics MQ-1B Predator |url=http://www.hiller.org/mq-1b |website=Hiller Aviation Museum |date=19 April 2024 |access-date=10 May 2024}}</ref>
* 03-33116 – MQ-1B on static display at the [[Hill Aerospace Museum]] in [[Roy, Utah]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MQ-1 Predator Drone |url=http://www.aerospaceutah.org/mq-1-predator-drone |website=Hill Aerospace Museum |access-date=12 June 2023 |date=24 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Baugher |first1=Joe |title=2003 USAF Serial Numbers |url=http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/2003.html |website=JoeBaugher.com |access-date=12 June 2023 |date=19 May 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523192714/http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/2003.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* 05-3138 – MQ-1B on static display at the [[Aviation Unmanned Vehicle Museum]] in [[Caddo Mills, Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Exhibits |url=http://www.auvm.net/exhibits |website=Aviation Unmanned Vehicle Museum |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Skores |first1=Alexandra |title=Caddo Mills museum opens to the history of aviation's future: Drones |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2023/05/08/caddo-mills-museum-opens-to-the-history-of-aviations-future-drones |access-date=12 June 2023 |work=Dallas Morning News |date=10 May 2023}}</ref>
* 05-3144 – MQ-1B on static display at the [[March Field Air Museum]] in [[Riverside, California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MQ-1B Predator |url=http://www.marchfield.org/aircraft/attack/mq-1b-predator-general-atomic |website=March Field Air Museum |access-date=12 June 2023 |archive-date=13 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613142733/https://www.marchfield.org/aircraft/attack/mq-1b-predator-general-atomic/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=March ARB - Museum |url=http://www.eurodemobbed.org.uk/locations.php?location=5812 |website=EuroDemobbed |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref>
* 07-3185 – MQ-1B on static display at the [[Lone Star Flight Museum]] in [[Houston, Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=General Atomics MQ-1B Predator |url=http://www.lonestarflight.org/fly/general-atomics-mq-1b-predator |website=Lone Star Flight Museum |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref>
* An MQ-1 is on static display at the [[Fargo Air Museum]] in [[Fargo, North Dakota]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olson |first1=David |title=Fargo Air Museum lands Predator drone for long-term display |url=http://www.jamestownsun.com/business/tourism/6627669-Fargo-Air-Museum-lands-Predator-drone-for-long-term-display |access-date=21 July 2021 |work=Jamestown Sun |date=22 August 2020}}</ref>
* An MQ-1 is on static display at the [[Palm Springs Air Museum]] in [[Palm Springs, California]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Aircraft Gallery |url=http://www.palmspringsairmuseum.org/aircraft-gallery |website=Palm Springs Air Museum |access-date=4 August 2023}}</ref>

==Specifications==
[[File:USAF RQ-1B Predator UAV 3view.jpg|thumb|RQ-1B Predator 3-view drawing]]
[[File:MQ-1B 3view.jpg|thumb|MQ-1B Predator 3-view drawing]]
{{Aircraft specs
| ref = USAF MQ-1B fact sheet<ref name="factsheet" />
| prime units? = kts<!--        General characteristics-->
| crew = 0, 3 on ground out of theater (remote pilot, sensor operator, and intelligence analyst), with in-theater ground handling crew
| capacity = 
| length ft = 27
| length in = 0
| span m = 14.8
| span note = '''MQ-1B Block 10/15:''' {{cvt|16.84|m|order=flip}}<ref name="Factsheets : MQ-1B Predator"/>
| height m = 2.1
| wing area sqft = 123.3
| wing area note = <ref name="warfighterpedia" />
| aspect ratio = 19
| airfoil = <!--'''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>-->
| empty weight lb = 1130
| empty weight note = 
| gross weight kg = 1020
| gross weight lb = 
| gross weight note = 
| max takeoff weight kg = 
| max takeoff weight lb = 
| max takeoff weight note = 
| fuel capacity = 851 lb (387 kg)
| lift kg = <!-- lighter-than-air -->
| lift lb = <!-- lighter-than-air -->
| lift note = 
| more general = <!--
        Powerplant
-->
| eng1 number = 1
| eng1 name = [[Rotax 914F]]
| eng1 type = 4-cylinder air-cooled turbocharged horizontally-opposed piston engine
| eng1 hp = 115
| prop blade number = 2
| prop name = constant-speed pusher propeller
| prop dia m = <!-- propeller aircraft -->
| prop dia ft = <!-- propeller aircraft -->
| prop dia in = <!-- propeller aircraft -->
| prop dia note = <!--
        Performance
-->
| max speed kts = 117
| max speed note = 
| cruise speed kts = 70
| cruise speed note = to {{cvt|90|kn|mph km/h}}
| stall speed kts = 54
| stall speed note = 
| never exceed speed kts = 
| never exceed speed note = 
| minimum control speed kts = 
| minimum control speed note = 
| range nmi = 675
| range note = 
| combat range nmi = 
| combat range note = 
| ferry range nmi = 
| ferry range note = 
| endurance = 24 hours<ref name="deagel.com" />
| ceiling ft = 25000
| ceiling note = 
| g limits = <!-- aerobatic -->
| roll rate = <!-- aerobatic -->
| climb rate ftmin = 
| climb rate note = 
| time to altitude = 
| sink rate ftmin = <!-- sailplanes -->
| sink rate note = 
| lift to drag = 
| wing loading lb/sqft = 
| wing loading note = 
| fuel consumption lb/mi = 
| power/mass = 
| thrust/weight = 
| more performance = <!--
        Armament
-->
| hardpoints = 2
| hardpoint missiles = <br/>
*** 2 × [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] (MQ-1B)
*** 4 × [[Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS)]] (MQ-1B)
*** 6 × [[AGM-176 Griffin]] air-to-surface missiles<ref name="Small Raytheon Missile Deployed on Predator" />
| avionics = * ASIP-1C
* AN/AAS-52 Multi-Spectral Targeting System
* AN/ZPQ-1 [[synthetic-aperture radar]] (early airframes only)
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|see also=
* [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle]]
* [[Lethal autonomous weapon]]
|related=
* [[General Atomics ALTUS]]
* [[General Atomics Avenger]]
* [[General Atomics Gnat]]
* [[General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle]]
* [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[CAIG Wing Loong]]
* [[Denel Dynamics Bateleur]]
* [[DRDO Rustom]]
* [[EADS Harfang]]
* [[IAIO Fotros|Fotros]]
* [[Elbit Hermes 900]]
* [[IAI Heron]]
* [[Shahed 129]]
* [[Bayraktar Tactical UAS]]
* [[TAI Anka]]
* [[Kronshtadt Orion|Orion]]
|lists=
* [[List of unmanned aerial vehicles]]
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="Turkey in command of newly deployed Predators' missions">{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-262544-turkey-in-command-of-newly-deployed-predators-missions.html |title='Turkey in command of newly deployed Predators' missions' |publisher=Todayszaman.com |date=13 November 2011 |access-date=13 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015235747/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-262544-turkey-in-command-of-newly-deployed-predators-missions.html |archive-date=15 October 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="9-11commission15">[http://www.9-11commission.gov/hearings/hearing8/tenet_statement.pdf Statement of CIA chief Tenet to 9/11 Commission, 24 March 2004], p. 15.</ref>

<ref name="9-11commission189">{{cite web|url=http://www.9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Ch6.pdf|title=9/11 Commission Final Report, chapter 6, pp. 189–90|publisher=9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Ch6.htm}}</ref>

<ref name="9-11commission213">''9/11 Commission Report'', [http://www.9-11commission.gov/report/911Report_Ch6.pdf chapter 6], pp. 213–14; [http://www.9-11commission.gov/hearings/hearing8/tenet_statement.pdf Tenet Testimony to the 9/11 Commission, 24 March 2004], p. 16.</ref>

<ref name="A Short Primer on Military Aircraft Designations">{{cite web |url=http://www.hill.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070507-053.doc |title=A Short Primer on Military Aircraft Designations |access-date=7 November 2008 |format=doc |publisher=Hill Aerospace Museum |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002163323/http://www.hill.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070507-053.doc |archive-date=2 October 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="AFPN report">{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/irp/program/collect/docs/n19991223_992294.htm |title=AFPN report |publisher=Fas.org |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116151345/https://fas.org/irp/program/collect/docs/n19991223_992294.htm |archive-date=16 November 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="About those missing Predator drones: It wasn't censorship after all">{{cite web |last= Geens |first= Stefan |date= 24 February 2009 |url= http://www.ogleearth.com/2009/02/about_those_mis.html |title= About those missing Predator drones: It wasn't censorship after all |access-date= 4 May 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100125151133/http://www.ogleearth.com/2009/02/about_those_mis.html | archive-date =25 January 2010| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="AirForceWorld_MQ-1B_Air_Guard">{{cite web |url=http://airforceworld.com/heli/eng/rq4.htm |title=MQ-1B/RQ-4 Air Guard Operations |work=AirForceWorld.com |access-date=5 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619032512/http://www.airforceworld.com/heli/eng/rq4.htm |archive-date=19 June 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<!-- <ref name="Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 President's Budget Submission">{{cite web|url=http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100128-072.pdf |title=Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 President's Budget Submission |publisher=saffm.hq.af.mil |pages=4–118 |date=February 2010 |access-date=20 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304052331/http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100128-072.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2012 }}</ref> -->

<ref name="Drone aircraft in a stepped-up war in Afghanistan and Pakistan">{{cite web|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2009/1211/Drone-aircraft-in-a-stepped-up-war-in-Afghanistan-and-Pakistan |title=Drone aircraft in a stepped-up war in Afghanistan and Pakistan |publisher=Csmonitor.com |date=11 December 2009 |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130730053325/http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2009/1211/Drone-aircraft-in-a-stepped-up-war-in-Afghanistan-and-Pakistan | archive-date =30 July 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="FOS">{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/irp/program/collect/predator.htm |title=FAS Intelligence Resource Program RQ-1 information |publisher=Fas.org |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131025024344/https://fas.org/irp/program/collect/predator.htm | archive-date =25 October 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="FS1">{{cite web |url=http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=122 |title=USAF MQ-1 factsheet |publisher=Af.mil |date=29 April 2013 |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524052633/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=122 |archive-date=24 May 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<!-- <ref name="Fact Sheet (Printable) : MQ-1 PREDATOR">{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=122&page=1 |title=Fact Sheet (Printable) : MQ-1 PREDATOR |publisher=AF.mil |date=23 May 2007 |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130624094111/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=122&page=1 | archive-date =24 June 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref> -->

<ref name="Factsheets : 3rd Special Operations Squadron">{{cite web|url=http://www.cannon.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12751 |title=Factsheets : 3rd Special Operations Squadron |publisher=Cannon.af.mil |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020075647/http://www.cannon.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12751 |archive-date=20 October 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="Factsheets : MQ-1B Predator">{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=122 |title=Factsheets : MQ-1B Predator |publisher=Af.mil |date=20 July 2010 |access-date=13 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216191110/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=122 |archive-date=16 December 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="Fixes on the way for nonsecure UAV links – Air Force News, news from Iraq">{{cite news |url=http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_uav_hack_121809w/ |title=Fixes on the way for nonsecure UAV links – Air Force News, news from Iraq |newspaper=Air Force Times |date= 20 December 2009 |access-date= 5 March 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="General Atomics Press Release">{{cite news |url=http://www.ga.com/news.php?read=1&id=341 |title=Air Force accepts delivery of last Predator |work=[[General Atomics]] |date= 7 March 2011 |access-date= 9 March 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130511192340/http://www.ga.com/news.php?read=1&id=341 | archive-date = 11 May 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Google Earth Reveals Secret History of US Base in Pakistan">{{cite news |last= Page |first= Jeremy |date= 19 February 2009 |url= http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5762371.ece |title= Google Earth Reveals Secret History of US Base in Pakistan |format= Newspaper article |work= [[The Times]] |access-date= 20 February 2009 |location=London| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100401223829/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5762371.ece | archive-date = 1 April 2010| url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Guard unit welcomes Predator, reconnaissance mission">{{cite news|title=Guard unit welcomes Predator, reconnaissance mission |work=Air Force Link |date=12 June 2008 |url=https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123102387/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011137/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123102387 |archive-date=9 July 2008 }}</ref>

<ref name="Insurgents Hack U.S. Drones – WSJ.com">{{cite news|last=Gorman |first=Siobhan |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB126102247889095011 |title=Insurgents Hack U.S. Drones – WSJ.com |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=17 December 2009 |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110025352/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126102247889095011.html |archive-date=10 November 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

<ref name="Interview with James Bamford on the National Security Agency">{{cite episode |url=http://www.kuow.org/mp3high/m3u/WeekdayA/weekdaya20070223.m3u |title=Interview with James Bamford on the National Security Agency |series=Steve Scher on Weekday |air-date=23 February 2007 |network=[[KUOW-FM]] |minutes=21–24| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120207125841/http://www.kuow.org/mp3high/m3u/WeekdayA/weekdaya20070223.m3u | archive-date = 7 February 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Iraq rebels 'hack into US drones'">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/8419147.stm |work=BBC News |title=Iraq rebels 'hack into US drones' |date=17 December 2009 |access-date=13 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140427192527/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/8419147.stm | archive-date = 27 April 2014| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Iraqi insurgents hacked Predator drone feeds, U.S. official indicates">{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/17/drone.video.hacked/index.html |work=CNN |title=Iraqi insurgents hacked Predator drone feeds, U.S. official indicates |date= 18 December 2009 |access-date= 5 March 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130819120821/http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/17/drone.video.hacked/index.html | archive-date = 19 August 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="LA Now – Southern California">{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/drone-aircraft-will-be-used-to-nab-illegal-immigrants-on-californiamexico-border.html |title=Drone aircraft will be used to nab illegal immigrants on California-Mexico border |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=7 December 2009 |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131023073528/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/12/drone-aircraft-will-be-used-to-nab-illegal-immigrants-on-californiamexico-border.html | archive-date = 23 October 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Libyan officials: U.S. drones behind airport closure">{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/09/libyan_officials_us_drones_beh.html |title=Libyan officials: U.S. drones behind airport closure |date=15 September 2012 |publisher=Blog.al.com |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003092727/http://blog.al.com/wire/2012/09/libyan_officials_us_drones_beh.html |archive-date=3 October 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

<ref name="MQ-1 Predator for Egypt">{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/airshow-predator-idUSN2010434720100720 |title= MQ-1 Predator for Egypt |author= Shalal-Esa, Andrea |work=Reuters |date= 20 July 2010 |access-date= 5 April 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131005023057/https://www.reuters.com/article/2010/07/20/airshow-predator-idUSN2010434720100720 | archive-date = 5 October 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="NASA Dryden Fact Sheet – ALTUS II">{{cite web|title=NASA Dryden Fact Sheet – ALTUS II|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-058-DFRC.html|publisher=NASA|access-date=2 December 2011|date=19 September 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121018211052/http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-058-DFRC.html | archive-date = 18 October 2012| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimes2009-03-17">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/business/17uav.html?em=&pagewanted=all |title=Drones Are Weapons of Choice in Fighting Qaeda |work=[[The New York Times]] |page=1 |first=Christopher |last=Drew |date=17 March 2009 |access-date=18 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512195709/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/business/17uav.html?em=&pagewanted=all |archive-date=12 May 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="Officials choose bases for MQ-1, MQ-9 ground control stations">{{cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123210313/ |title=Officials choose bases for MQ-1, MQ-9 ground control stations |publisher=Af.mil |date=21 June 2010 |access-date=29 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126131707/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123210313 |archive-date=26 January 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="Philippines operation 2006 details">{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationspectator.com/resources/aircraft-profiles/mq-1-predator-uas-aircraft-profile |title=Philippines operation 2006 details |publisher=Aviationspectator.com |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013184746/http://www.aviationspectator.com/resources/aircraft-profiles/mq-1-predator-uas-aircraft-profile |archive-date=13 October 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="Predator missile launch test totally successful">{{cite web |url=http://www.dau.mil/pubscats/PubsCats/PM/articles01/afns1m-a.pdf |title=Predator missile launch test totally successful |publisher=US Air Force |date=27 February 2001 |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926012651/http://www.dau.mil/pubscats/PubsCats/PM/articles01/afns1m-a.pdf |archive-date=26 September 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="Predator-series UAVs surpass one million flight hours">{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw100409_1_n.shtml |title=Predator-series UAVs surpass one million flight hours |publisher=Janes.com |date=9 April 2010 |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100413174844/http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw100409_1_n.shtml | archive-date = 13 April 2010| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Qaddafi Forces Struck by First U.S. Drone as Rebels Say They Hold Misrata">{{cite news| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-23/u-s-launches-first-predator-strike-after-lull-in-misrata-siege.html |work=Bloomberg |first1=Ola |last1=Galal |first2=Anthony |last2=Capaccio |title=Qaddafi Forces Struck by First U.S. Drone as Rebels Say They Hold Misrata |date=23 April 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131023152111/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-23/u-s-launches-first-predator-strike-after-lull-in-misrata-siege.html | archive-date = 23 October 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Senior Shabaab commander rumored to have been killed in recent Predator strike">{{cite web|last=Joscelyn |first=Thomas |url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/07/senior_shabaab_comma_1.php |title=Senior Shabaab commander rumored to have been killed in recent Predator strike |website=The Long War Journal |date=9 July 2011 |access-date=29 May 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130926052615/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/07/senior_shabaab_comma_1.php | archive-date = 26 September 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Small Raytheon Missile Deployed on Predator">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/GRIFFIN061308.xml&headline=Small%20Raytheon%20Missile%20Deployed%20On%20Predator&channel=defense |title=Small Raytheon Missile Deployed on Predator |last=Warwick |first=Graham |magazine=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |date=13 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106124925/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news%2FGRIFFIN061308.xml&headline=Small%20Raytheon%20Missile%20Deployed%20On%20Predator&channel=defense |archive-date=6 November 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="The CIA and the Predator Drone (2000–1)">{{cite web|url=http://geocities.com/libertystrikesback/afghans.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027114258/http://geocities.com/libertystrikesback/afghans.html |archive-date=27 October 2009 |title=The CIA and the Predator Drone (2000–1) |access-date=29 May 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="The New Al-Qaeda Central: Far From Declining, the Network Has Rebuilt, With Fresh Faces and a Vigorous Media Arm">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090801845_pf.html |title=The New Al-Qaeda Central: Far From Declining, the Network Has Rebuilt, With Fresh Faces and a Vigorous Media Arm |first=Craig |last=Whitlock |newspaper=Washington Post |date=11 September 2007 |access-date=11 September 2007}}</ref>

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<ref name="The Yemen Option">{{cite episode |title=The Yemen Option |series=Foreign Correspondent |credits=Mark Corcoran |network=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |air-date=3 February 2004 |series-no=13 |number=24 |url=http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/2004/s1054112.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906170650/http://www.abc.net.au/foreign/content/2004/s1054112.htm |archive-date=6 September 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=23 July 2009 }}</ref>

<ref name="Time">Grossman, Lev (11 February 2013) [https://web.archive.org/web/20130131132544/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2135132-3,00.html "Drone Home"]. ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'', Retrieved 3 March 2013</ref>

<ref name="Turkish army seeks procurement agency to bid for US Predators">{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=161150 |title=Turkish army seeks procurement agency to bid for US Predators |publisher=Todayszaman.com |date=13 December 2008 |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081219232414/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=161150 | archive-date = 19 December 2008| url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="U.S. Carries Out First Drone Strike in Libya: Pentagon">{{cite web |url=http://defensenews.com/story.php?i=6309199&c=MID&s=AIR |title=U.S. Carries Out First Drone Strike in Libya: Pentagon |publisher=Defense News |access-date=29 May 2013 }}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

<ref name="U.S. Drone Involved in Final Qaddafi Strike, as Obama Heralds Regime's 'End'">{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/u-s-drone-involved-in-final-qaddafi-strike-as-obama-heralds-regimes-end |work=Fox News |title=U.S. Drone Involved in Final Qaddafi Strike, as Obama Heralds Regime's 'End' |date=20 October 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140326155423/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/20/obama-qaddafi-death-ends-long-and-painful-chapter-in-libya/ | archive-date = 26 March 2014| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="US Drone Strike Kills 4 in Somalia">{{cite news |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-drone-strike-kills-4-in-somalia/ |title=US Drone Strike Kills 4 in Somalia |publisher=Fox News |date=24 February 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140311012830/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/02/24/us-drone-strike-kills-4-in-somalia/ | archive-date = 11 March 2014| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="USAF Tier system scheme">{{cite web|url=http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/cc/uav.html |title=USAF Tier system scheme |publisher=Airpower.maxwell.af.mil |date=1 July 1996 |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601053222/http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/airchronicles/cc/uav.html |archive-date=1 June 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="USAToday article">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2006-01-17-pakistan-strike_x.htm |title=USAToday article |publisher=USAToday article |date=17 January 2006 |access-date=20 May 2010}}</ref>

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<ref name="abc1">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Investigation/story?id=755961 |title=ABC news report |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=13 May 2005 |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140401063558/http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Investigation/story?id=755961 | archive-date = 1 April 2014| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="abs-cbnnews">[http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/09/12/philippine-military-denies-us-drone-strike "Philippine military denies US drone strike"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116112308/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/09/12/philippine-military-denies-us-drone-strike |date=16 November 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="aeronautics">{{cite web|url=http://www.aeronautics.ru/predatordown2.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010309011040/http://www.aeronautics.ru/predatordown2.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 March 2001|title=American Predator UAV down|date=9 March 2001}}</ref>

<ref name="americanspecialops">{{cite web|url=http://cia.americanspecialops.com/air-branch/ |title=Air Branch &#124; CIA Special Activities Division |publisher=Cia.americanspecialops.com |access-date=29 May 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130515213312/http://cia.americanspecialops.com/air-branch/ | archive-date = 15 May 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="armada">The basic Predator-A is used in small numbers by Italy, Morocco and Turkey {{cite web |url=http://www.armada.ch/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/compendium-April-May-2013a.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=9 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004231205/http://www.armada.ch/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/compendium-April-May-2013a.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="armyrecognition">[https://archive.today/20130117024355/http://www.armyrecognition.com/infos_g_n_rales/army_recognition_worldwide_land_forces_defense_security_magazine_promotion_defense_industry_products_3.html Predator XP] – Army Recognition.com, 12 July 2012</ref>

<ref name="atimes">[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NB29Ae01.html "US drones circle over the Philippines"] ''[[Asia Times]]'' {{webarchive |url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20120229023655/http%3A//www%2Eatimes%2Ecom/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NB29Ae01%2Ehtml |date=29 February 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="atwar1999">[http://www.atwar.net/download.php?view.174 CBS video of shoot-down]; also includes a brief clip of the 13 May 1999 Balkans shoot-down. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216144404/http://www.atwar.net/download.php?view.174 |date=16 February 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="bloomberg">McGarry, Brendan (18 June 2012) [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-18/drones-most-accident-prone-u-s-air-force-craft-bgov-barometer.html Drones Most Accident-Prone U.S. Air Force Craft: BGOV Barometer] Bloomberg, Retrieved 4 February 2013 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826164644/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-18/drones-most-accident-prone-u-s-air-force-craft-bgov-barometer.html |date=26 August 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="brookings">[http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2012/03/05-drones-philippines-ahmed "Deadly Drone Strike on Muslims in the Southern Philippines"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413032655/http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2012/03/05-drones-philippines-ahmed |date=13 April 2014 }}</ref>

<ref name="cbs2">[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pilotless-warriors-soar-to-success/ "Pilotless Warriors Soar To Success"]. CBS News </ref>

<ref name="choice">{{cite news|first=Christopher |last=Drew |title=Drones Are Weapons of Choice in Fighting Qaeda |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/business/17uav.html?hp |quote=Considered a novelty a few years ago, the Air Force's fleet has grown to 195 Predators and 28 Reapers, a new and more heavily armed cousin of the Predator. |work=The New York Times |date=16 March 2009 |access-date=17 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512203054/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/business/17uav.html?hp |archive-date=12 May 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="deagel.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.deagel.com/Unmanned-Combat-Air-Vehicles/MQ-1-Predator_a000517002.aspx |title=MQ-1 Predator / MQ-1B, MQ-1L Block 10 |publisher=Deagel.com |access-date=29 May 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131014024645/http://www.deagel.com/Unmanned-Combat-Air-Vehicles/MQ-1-Predator_a000517002.aspx | archive-date = 14 October 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="discovery2007">''Operation Anaconda – The Battle for Robert's Ridge'', video documentary shown on the Military Channel, [http://military.discovery.com/tvlistings/episode.jsp?episode=0&cpi=24122&gid=0&channel=MIL Military TV Schedule : American Heroes Channel] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070113164214/http://military.discovery.com/tvlistings/episode.jsp?episode=0&cpi=24122&gid=0&channel=MIL |date=13 January 2007 }}</ref>

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<ref name="entrepreneurship">Hasik, James (2008). ''Arms and Innovation: Entrepreneurship and Alliances in the Twenty-First-Century Defense Industry''. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. pp. 32–33. {{ISBN|978-0-226-31886-8}}.</ref>

<ref name="factsheet">{{cite web |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104469/mq-1b-predator/ |title=USAF MQ-1B fact sheet |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=20 July 2010 |access-date=23 November 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131022211644/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104469/mq-1b-predator.aspx | archive-date = 22 October 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="flightglobal">[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uae-to-purchase-general-atomics-predators-382497/ UAE to purchase General Atomics Predators] – Flightglobal.com, 19 February 2013 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512025216/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uae-to-purchase-general-atomics-predators-382497/ |date=12 May 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="hurriyetdailynews">{{cite web|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=us-deployed-predators-to-incirlik-davutoglu-2011-11-13 |title=US deployed Predators to İncirlik: Davutoğlu |publisher=Hurriyet Daily News |date=13 November 2011 |access-date=13 December 2011| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111116080636/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=us-deployed-predators-to-incirlik-davutoglu-2011-11-13 | archive-date = 16 November 2011| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="indispensable">Finn, Peter, "Drones, now indispensable in war, began life in garage", ''[[The Washington Post]]'', reprinted in ''[[Japan Times]]'', 27 December 2011, p. 6.</ref>

<ref name="institute">Knights, Michael (2005). ''Cradle of Conflict: Iraq and the Birth of Modern U.S. Military Power''. Naval Institute Press, p. 242. {{ISBN|978-1-59114-444-1}}.</ref>

<ref name="latimes">[https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/afghanistan/la-fg-pentagon-drone-20111014,0,5628010.story "U.S. deaths in drone strike due to miscommunication, report says."] ''Los Angeles Times'', 14 October 2011. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219063611/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/afghanistan/la-fg-pentagon-drone-20111014,0,5628010.story |date=19 February 2012 }}</ref>

<ref name="loss">{{cite web|url=http://www.aeronautics.ru/official/lostuavs.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010308225837/http://www.aeronautics.ru/official/lostuavs.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 March 2001|title=Officially confirmed / documented NATO UAV losses|date=8 March 2001}}</ref>

<ref name="military">[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html?comp=700001075741&rank=6 F-22 Flew to Drone's Rescue off Iran Coast] – Military.com, 17 September 2013 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427135504/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/09/17/welsh-f22-flew-to-drones-rescue-off-iran-coast.html?comp=700001075741&rank=6 |date=27 April 2014 }}</ref>

<ref name="militarytimes">[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130917/NEWS04/309170016/AFSOC-s-new-weapon-Portable-unmanned-aircraft-bases AFSOC's new weapon: Portable unmanned aircraft bases] – Militarytimes.com, 17 September 2013  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017235843/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130917/NEWS04/309170016/AFSOC-s-new-weapon-Portable-unmanned-aircraft-bases |date=17 October 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="militarytimes5">[http://militarytimes.com/news/2013/03/airforce-iran-predator-031413/ U.S. fighters warn Iranian jet trailing UAV] – ''Military Times'', 14 March 2013 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130924234649/http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2013/03/airforce-iran-predator-031413/ |date=24 September 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="militarytimes_Nov_9">[http://militarytimes.com/news/2012/11/ap-iran-lawmaker-says-us-drone-violated-airspace-110912/ Iran states that the U.S. drone violated Iranian airspace]. ''Military Times'', 9 November 2012.</ref>

<ref name="mit2002">{{cite web |url=http://tech.mit.edu/V122/N54/long4-54.54w.html |title=Washington Post article |publisher=Tech.mit.edu |date=8 November 2002 |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131203204727/http://tech.mit.edu/V122/N54/long4-54.54w.html | archive-date = 3 December 2013| url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="msn">{{cite web|url=http://news.msn.com/us/california-launches-drone-to-aid-wildfire-battle|title=News|access-date=6 February 2015}}{{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/01/world/middleeast/anwar-al-awlaki-is-killed-in-yemen.html |title=U.S.-Born Qaeda Leader Killed in Yemen |newspaper=The New York Times |date=30 September 2011 |access-date=30 September 2011 |first1=Mark |last1=Mazzetti |first2=Eric |last2=Schmitt |first3=Robert F. |last3=Worth |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930151446/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/01/world/middleeast/anwar-al-awlaki-is-killed-in-yemen.html |archive-date=30 September 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="penguin">[[Steve Coll]], ''[[Ghost Wars]]'' (Penguin, 2005 edn), pp. 527–8 and 658 note 5.</ref>

<ref name="penguin1">Steve Coll, ''Ghost Wars'' (Penguin, 2005 edn), pp. 529–32.</ref>

<ref name="penguin2">Steve Coll, ''Ghost Wars'' (Penguin, 2005 edn), pp. 534, 548–9.</ref>

<ref name="penguin3">Steve Coll, Ghost Wars, Penguin, 2005 edn., pp. 532, 534</ref>

<ref name="reuters">General Atomics has already received export licenses to sell an unarmed export version of the Predator to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, U.A.E. and Morocco [https://www.reuters.com/article/airshow-predator-idUSN2010434720100720 AIRSHOW-General Atomics sees growing demand for drones{{!}} Reuters] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005023057/http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/07/20/airshow-predator-idUSN2010434720100720 |date=5 October 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="rf163">Elan Head. "[http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Unmanned-Future#.Uo5AN9IyLwM Unmanned future]" ''Vertical Magazine'', 7 November 2013. Accessed: 21 November 2013. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214222110/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Unmanned-Future |date=14 December 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="spyflight.co.uk">{{cite web |url=http://spyflight.co.uk/Predator.htm |title=spyflight.co.uk |publisher=Spyflight.co.uk |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015052155/http://spyflight.co.uk/Predator.htm |archive-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="suasnews">[http://www.suasnews.com/2013/10/25714/rpas-reach-2-million-hours/ RPAs reach 2 million hours] – sUASNews.com, 25 October 2013  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030081359/http://www.suasnews.com/2013/10/25714/rpas-reach-2-million-hours/ |date=30 October 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="technology">Morring Jr., Frank, ed. (29 March 2004), "Blame Game", ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', p. 21.</ref>

<ref name="telegraph2006">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/01/15/wpak15.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/01/15/ixnewstop.html |title=article, "Pakistan fury as CIA airstrike on village kills 18" |work=Telegraph|date=15 January 2006 |access-date=20 May 2010 |location=London |first1=Imtiaz |last1=Ali |first2=Massoud |last2=Ansari |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017092621/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2006%2F01%2F15%2Fwpak15.xml&sSheet=%2Fnews%2F2006%2F01%2F15%2Fixnewstop.html |archive-date=17 October 2007 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

<ref name="vector">{{cite web|url=http://www.vectorsite.net/twuav.html |title=Modern Endurance UAVs |publisher=Vectorsite.net |access-date=20 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110013056/http://www.vectorsite.net/twuav.html |archive-date=10 November 2012 |url-status=usurped  }}</ref>

<ref name="verticalmag">Elan Head. "[http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Predator-aircraft-makes-history-on-Rim-Fire#.UqihqdLuIqY Predator aircraft makes history in Rim Fire]" ''Vertical Magazine'', 1 September 2013. Accessed: 11 December 2013. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214222056/http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/Predator-aircraft-makes-history-on-Rim-Fire |date=14 December 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="warfighterpedia">{{cite encyclopedia |url= https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/aircraft/UAVs/predator.htm <!-- |work= wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/ --> |title= RQ-1 Predator information |encyclopedia= [[The Warfighter's Encyclopedia]] |date= 14 August 2003 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041105115728/https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/aircraft/UAVs/predator.htm | archive-date = 5 November 2004| url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="washingtonpost2002">Barton Gellman, "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A8734-2002Jan19?language=printer A Strategy's Cautious Evolution]". ''Washington Post'', 20 January 2002, p. A01.</ref>

<ref name="wenatcheeworld">{{cite web|url=http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/feb/02/ap-filipino-troops-still-search-for-terrorist/?print|title=AP: Filipino troops still search for terrorist|date=2 February 2012 |access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="wired_Nov_8">Ackerman, Spencer. [https://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/iran-drone/ "Iranian Pilots Tried (and Failed) to Shoot Down a U.S. Drone"]. ''[[Wired.com]]'', 8 November 2012. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329040700/http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/11/iran-drone/ |date=29 March 2014 }}</ref>

<ref name="wordpress">{{cite web|url=http://farmorocco.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/purchase-general-atomics-predator-for-morocco/|title=Purchase: General Atomics Predator for Morocco|work=Royal Moroccan Armed Forces|date=26 April 2012|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="www2006">SSgt Amy Robinson, [https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123024467/ "FAA Authorizes Predators to seek survivors"]. U.S. Air Force, 2 August 2006.</ref>

<ref name="www20064">Staff Sgt. D. Clare. [https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123025240/ "California Air National Guard embraces new mission"] . US Air Force, 16 August 2006.</ref>

}}

==References==
*{{cite book|last=Coll |first=Steve | author-link = Steve Coll |title=Ghost Wars |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780141020808 |url-access=registration |date=2005 |isbn=978-0-14-102080-8 |publisher=Penguin }}
* Parts of this article are taken from the MQ-1 PREDATOR fact sheet.{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=122&page=1 |title=Fact Sheet (Printable) : MQ-1 PREDATOR |publisher=AF.mil |date=23 May 2007 |access-date=20 May 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130624094111/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet_print.asp?fsID=122&page=1 | archive-date =24 June 2013| url-status=dead}}
* This article contains material that originally came from the web article {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110902194407/http://www.vectorsite.net/twuav.html ''Unmanned Aerial Vehicles'']}} by Greg Goebel, which exists in the public domain.
*{{citation |url=http://www.airvectors.net/avpred.html |title=Predator & Global Hawk |work=AirVectors |first=Greg |last=Goebel }}

==Further reading==

* {{citation|doi=10.1080/01402390.2019.1668272|title=The role of culture in military innovation studies: Lessons learned from the US Air Force's adoption of the Predator Drone, 1993-1997|journal=Journal of Strategic Studies|pages=1–35|year=2019|last1=Lee|first1=Caitlin|volume=46 |s2cid=204445254}}

==External links==
{{Commons|MQ-1 Predator}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061011124851/http://www.uav.com/products/predator.html General Atomics Predator page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120419213829/http://www.af.mil/information/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=122 MQ-1B Predator US Air Force Fact Sheet]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120801014032/http://www.armyrecognition.com/united_states_military_equipment_uk/mq-1_predator_unmanned_aerial_vehicle_uav_data_sheet_specifications_information_description_uk.html MQ-1 Predator page on armyrecognition.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060213133630/http://www.defense-update.com/products/p/predator.htm Predator page] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20051224115649/http://www.defense-update.com/features/du-2-05/feature-sensor.htm UAV Sensor page on defense-update.com]
* [http://science.howstuffworks.com/predator.htm How the Predator Works] – [[Howstuffworks.com]]
* [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/1520143/In-Las-Vegas-a-pilot-pulls-the-trigger.-In-Iraq-a-Predator-fires-its-missile.html British Daily Telegraph article – 'In Las Vegas a pilot pulls the trigger. In Iraq a Predator fires its missile']
* [https://www.af.mil/News/story/storyID/123023469/ Accident report from 20 March 2006 MQ-1L crash]
* [https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22960101 Missile strike emphasizes Al-Qaida]

{{General Atomics aircraft}}
{{US unmanned aircraft}}
{{US War on Terror}}
{{Italian military aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mq-01 Predator}}
[[Category:General Atomics aircraft|Q-01]]
[[Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles of the United States]]
[[Category:1990s United States military reconnaissance aircraft|General Atomics MQ-1 Predator]]
[[Category:Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles]]
[[Category:Signals intelligence]]
[[Category:War on terror]]
[[Category:V-tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Single-engined pusher aircraft]]
[[Category:Unmanned military aircraft of the United States|General Atomics MQ-1]]
[[Category:Synthetic aperture radar]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1994]]