MQ-1 Predator

The MQ-1 Predator provides armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance and target acquisition for coalition forces in Iraq. (Photo: U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)

MQ-1 Predator

An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system taxies down a runway Aug. 13 at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. The Predator recently passed 400,000 flight hours during missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo: U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr.)

MQ-1 Predator

An MQ-1 Predator with the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance and Attack Squadron prepares to land at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, after a mission Nov. 8. Predators provide armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for ground force commanders. (Photo: U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Erik Gudmundson)

MQ-1 Predator

An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft, armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, flies a combat mission over southern Afghanistan. The MQ-1 is deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom providing interdiction and armed reconnaissance against critical, perishable targets. (Photo: U.S. Air Force/Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt)

MQ-1 Predator

Air Force officials are seeking volunteers for future training classes to produce operators of the MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft. (Photo: U.S. Air Forcet/Lt Col Leslie Pratt)

MQ-1 Predator

An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft assigned to the 17th Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Creech Air Force Base, Nev., for a training mission. (Photo: U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr.)