Predator - Edwards AFB

</head> <body> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> <p>Leaders prepare to land Predator <br>This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Sunday, June 29, 2003. <br>By <a href="http://www.avpress.com">ALLISON GATLIN</a> <br>Valley Press Staff Writer <p>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <br>EDWARDS AFB - The news that 50 Predator unmanned reconnaissance aircraft - together with as many as 1,000 support personnel - could be based at Edwards Air Force Base in the future has area leaders gearing up to make it a reality. <br>"We're going to do everything in our power to support it," said Bob Johnstone of The Aerospace Office Inc. in Lancaster. <p>Earlier this week, the Air Force announced it is starting the process of assessing the environmental impact of basing the unmanned aircraft at Edwards or Holloman AFB, N.M. <p>The Air Force's Predators are based at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, part of Nellis AFB, Nev. The new base would be in addition to this one. <p>"We think it is something that could fit in (at Edwards)," Johnstone said. <p>The Edwards Community Alliance, an organization formed to help promote and protect Edwards AFB from upcoming base closure proceedings, has indicated unmanned aerial vehicles could be a viable part of the base as long as their operations do not interfere with the test mission. <p>"To me it sounds like a pretty good deal," Johnstone said. <p>Edwards also is involved in efforts to integrate UAVs into the national airspace. The base has a long history of working with the Federal Aviation Administration on such projects. <p>In many ways, Edwards offers more than Holloman, Johnstone said. <p>It has a more diverse environment for flight operations, including ready access to a variety of terrains, from ocean to desert to mountains. <p>Edwards also has a large restricted airspace for test operations. <p>"Holloman really does not have all that," Johnstone said. "I think there's more available here." <p>A similar situation occurred three years ago, when the Air Force was considering Edwards as a base for the Global Hawk UAVs, a program of similar size, scope and mission as the Predator. The Global Hawk test fleet was already at Edwards. <p>In the final assessment of that proposal, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis found it would have a total economic impact of more than $172 million on the area, in 2000 dollars, said David Myers, president and CEO of the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance. <p>Of that figure, $125.6 million is directly related to the operations. <p>In addition to the approximately 1,000 jobs directly related to the Global Hawk basing, that move was expected to produce 1,200 additional indirect jobs. <p>"Obviously, that's significant," Myers said. <p>Despite vocal support from the Antelope Valley community, the Air Force chose Beale AFB near Sacramento for the first operational Global Hawk squadron. <p>As the Air Force continues to look at the possibility of basing the Predator at Edwards, such community support is vital, Myers said. <p>"It is really important when those (public meetings) happen that we as a community come out to voice our support," he said. "It has quite an impact. <p>"People coming out, writing letters, voicing their support - that's really important." <p>Organized support is likely from the Antelope Valley Board of Trade and its Defense Task Force, a standing committee dedicated to pursuing programs that may enhance the region's aerospace industry. <p>"We always want people to know what our capabilities are and adding work consistent with the mission (of Edwards AFB) is what we try to do," said Alis Clausen, AVBOT president. "This is an area that can already handle these vehicles." <p>According to the Air Force notice of intent, the Predators would use regional airspace for UAV training. <p>In addition to approximately 1,000 additional personnel, the basing would require construction of approximately 350,000 square feet of new training support and storage facilities and upgrades to existing facilities. <p>No timeline has been established for the basing. <p>The Air Force is seeking public input in preparing the environmental assessment, tentatively scheduled for completion this winter. <p>Deadline for public input is July 31. <p>Comments should be sent to: HQ ACC/CEVP, ATTN: Sheryl Parker, 129 Andrews St., Suite 102, Langley AFB, VA 23665-2769. <p>Once the assessment is completed, it will be made available for public comment. <p>Basing Predators at Edwards would be something of a homecoming for the unmanned vehicles, which originated at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' high desert facility at El Mirage at the southeastern edge of the Valley. <p>The remotely piloted aircraft is designed to provide battlefield commanders with reconnaissance, intelligence and surveillance information without endangering troops. <p>The Air Force has been using the aircraft since 1995, first in Kosovo and later in Afghanistan and Iraq, where it became known for its ability to deliver weapons as well as provide intelligence. <p>Two versions of the Predator exist. The propeller-driven A model is the one in use, with the jet-engine-powered B model coming on line. <p>The A model is designed for altitudes up to 25,000 feet and missions as long as 40 hours. <p>The B model will have twice the payload and altitude capability as its predecessor. It is expected to enter service in November. <p>While the aircraft were not originally designed to carry weapons, the older A models are being retrofitted to carry not only weapons, but also fuel or other equipment. <br><script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> <p><b><font color="#000000"><font size=-1>MORE NEWS IN ROSAMOND CA - <a href="http://www.rosamondproperties.com/news.html">CLICK HERE</a></font></font></b> <p><b><font color="#000000"><font size=-1>HOMES FOR SALE IN ROSAMOND CALIFORNIA - <a href="http://www.rosamondproperties.com">CLICK HERE</a></font></font></b> <center><b><font color="#FF0000"><font size=+2>Rosamond Properties</font></font></b> <br><b><font size=+1>"Your Antelope Valley Home and Land Specialists"</font></b> <br><b><font color="#FF0000"><font size=+1>4401 Rosamond Blvd. Suite #4, P.O.Box 1492, Rosamond, CA 93560</font></font></b> <br><b><font size=+1>Office (661) 256-2744 (661) 256-2497 FAX</font></b></center> </body> </html>