Page 6 - Nellis Creech NTTR Bullseye 3-31-17

6 March 31, 2017 www.aerotechnews.com/nellisafb
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11th ATKs paves way with training By Airman 1st class Kristan campbell
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — As technology on the battlefield changes and evolves, remotely piloted aircraft such as the MQ-1 Preda- tor and MQ-9 Reaper, continue to provide combatant commanders with unblinking eyes and attack capabilities from the sky.
Some of these capabilities, such as being able to stay airborne for nearly 24 hours, see with high fidelity both night and day and operate virtually unseen, makes RPAs a highly effective platform in the war on terrorism.
To accomplish flight, two geographically separate aircrews work to- gether: the mission control element and launch and recovery element. The MCE is responsible for executing the mission, while the LRE conducts successful takeoffs and landings. While being MCE certified is standard for all aircrews flying the MQ-1 and MQ-9, LR certification requires extra training.
The 11th Attack Squadron is a formalized training unit at Creech, where pilots and sensor operators are trained to become skilled in takeoffs and landings.
“To be launch and recovery qualified is an additional qualification on top of being qualified to fly the MQ-1 and MQ-9,” said Maj. Stephen, 11th ATKS director of operations. “Flying missions downrange is what all the other squadrons teach, while we teach the launch and recovery aspect of operations.”
While the MCE conducts the mission from a stateside location, LRE aircrews fly the aircraft via satellite link. This link results in about a one
___________________________________ See Atks, on page 7
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristan Campbell
An MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft awaits maintenance on the flightline Feb. 1, 2017, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. RPAs are used in various missions to provide combatant commanders with persistent, dominant attack capabilities.
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