Predator Pilots Facing Burn Out

Dateline Nellis AFB (off the Vegas strip) and Eglin AFB (off Pensacola Beach):  The Air Force has conducted studies of its UAV crews which conclude the pilots are suffering burn out at an excessive rate.

According to one such report, "crewmembers in a MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system (UAS) squadron had significantly increased fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and burnout relative to traditional aircrew."

Recent news articles on the subject supplements older reports that surfaced years ago.

I've said for some time I cannot comprehend how a pilot can wake up in the morning in a suburban home, put on a flight suit and kiss his wife and kids goodbye in the morning, stop at Starbucks on the drive onto the base, sit down at a console for the next 8-10 hours launching Hellfire missiles from a Predator 8,000 miles away which kill people and break things and then return home in time to coach his son's baseball game and drink a Budweiser while eating dinner with the family at home.  Apparently it works...every day, but with some major consequences.

I know I certainly could not have flicked that switch on and off each day while in combat. 

I'm already working on Troll's next story, but for a third, I'm thinking of an element that includes these drone pilots. I'll let you know as I progress on the story line. Till then, check six!

Bush to Launch X-47B

 

The Navy says it will make its first attempt tomorrow to launch Northrop Grumman's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System drone from an aircraft carrier. The aircraft is scheduled to undergo a catapult launch from USS George H.W. Bush off the East Coast.

 

Rear Adm. Mat Winter, the Navy's program officer for the X-47B, said online Monday that:

Controlled by a mission operator aboard the ship, the X-47B will execute several carrier approaches demonstrating its ability to operate seamlessly within the carrier environment before it flies over the Eastern Shore and lands back at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., where two demonstration aircraft have resided for the past year

Over the coming years, we will heavily leverage the technology maturation, networking advances and precision navigation algorithms developed from the X-47B demonstration program to pursue the introduction of the first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. This future system will provide 24/7, carrier-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and targeting capability, which will operate together with manned aviation assets allowing the opportunity to shape a more efficient carrier air wing.

Is it just me, or does development of the X-47B seem to be on the fast track?  Guess the Navy wants to challenge the Air Farce for UAV funding.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up!

If it weren't so egregious, it would almost be comical...

Air Force's Sex-Abuse Prevention Chief Charged with Sexual Assault. The US Air Force's official in charge of its sexual-assault prevention program was arrested yesterday for allegedly groping a civilian. As shown in the mug shot, looks like the victim got in a few good shots of her own.

As best said by Forrest Gump, "Stupid is as stupid does." But seriously? You simply can't make this stuff up.

Navy Launches Its First Drone Squadron

Yesterday at NAS Coronado, the Navy inaugurated its first squadron with unmanned aircraft, formally adopting drone technology amid debate over its growing use in warfare.

The squadron will have eight manned helicopters and a still-to-be-determined number of the Fire Scout MQ-8 B, an unmanned helicopter that can fly 12 continuous hours tracking targets.

The squadron, the Magicians, will be aboard the Navy's new littoral combat ship in about a year.

Along with ongoing development of the X-47, this milestone marks the Navy's commitment to meanignful presence in the drone battle space. 

Unconventional Path to Publication

Yesterday marked a milestone in publication of The Last Top Gun. Rather than follow the traditional path: write a book, contact agents, keep fingers crossed, obtain an agent, contact publishers, keep two fingers crossed, sign major book deal; as an unpublished writer, I decided to take the road less travelled.

I wrote the book, then created a website, this blog, Twitter and Facebook sites to promote and gauge interest in the project. I was thrilled to see hundreds of visitors a day visit these various The Last Top Gun web platforms. People also check out videos on YouTube and the website.

An unknown writer who does not want to self-publish can only get so far on his own. Yesterday, I took the next step by reaching out to two accomplished literary agents. I look forward to finding an agent who shares my passion, character and entrepreneurial spirit. And yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed.