USAF Proposal: Predators to Army, Reapers to Air Force

The DoD is considering a USAF proposition that would basically give the entire fleet of General Atomics MQ-1B Predators to the US Army.

The transfer would enable the USAF to build up their MQ-9 “hunter-killer” capability while continuing to support the army’s need for a medium-altitude, long-endurance ISR system.

Source: USAF Proposal: Flight International, 10.17.08

Comments:
I think this is a good idea, the Army wants Predator C's but if they could get the USAF Predator B's simply transferred to them it would mean a great cost savings - plus the USAF would be able to have more Hellfire armed Reapers to protect the ground troops with. Seems like a "win/win" sort of deal.



[edit on 10-19-2008 by intelgurl]

The only realistic way I see this going forward is if the Army feels this move will not impact its already established plants to acquire the MQ-1C. The MQ-1B can serve as a stop gap measure until the C fleet comes up to speed. It also allows the USAF to get the ground commanders off its back (somewhat) for their constant request of more UCAVs. Not to mention allowing the USAF to focus more effort on the more capable Reaper, as well as make the case for a bigger Reaper fleet. In the end it's all about funding, so yeah, it is kind of a "win-win" situation.