Post by Moses on Mar 4, 2005 10:52:18 GMT -5
LAS VEGAS
Air Force plans expansion of Nevada-based Predator program[/size]
Mar 4, 2005, 9:50 AM
Success during missions in Iraq and Afghanistan is leading to a major expansion of the Air Force's Predator program at Indian Springs Auxiliary Airfield.
Currently the Air Force has about 80 of the remote-piloted aircraft divided between the 11th, 15th and 17th Reconnaissance Squadrons based at Indian Springs, 45 miles northwest of Nellis Air Force Base.
By 2010 the number of Predator units could expand to 15 to 17 squadrons based around the world.
The expansion would make the number of Predator planes second only to F-16 Falcons in the Air Force.
Construction has already begun at Indian Springs to accommodate the growing Predator program. About 25 million dollars has been allocated in this year's fiscal budget, and 65 million next fiscal year for new hangars and infrastructure at Indian Springs.
An Air Force task force is scheduled to visit this month and evaluate whether Indian Springs should be elevated to a station or base under the control of Nellis.
About 2,500 people are currently stationed at Indian Springs.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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