Salute to RQ-5 Hunter UAS The US Army’s Oldest Unmanned Aircraft

By Dave Conrad, Fort Hood Public Affairs

WEST FORT HOOD, Texas (Dec. 21, 2015) — The Army’s oldest unmanned aircraft system had its final flight here as part of a ceremony that marked transitions for both the aircraft and its operators, Dec. 16.

Fort Hood Soldiers and guests said goodbye to the Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System, or UAS, the Army’s first UAS, during the ceremony at Robert Gray Army Airfield.

“Thundercats, congratulations on your part of history, that you’re making today,” Lt. Col Gregory Hardy, commander of the 15th Military Intelligence Battalion, said during the ceremony commemorating the flight. “I am absolutely confident that you’re going to excel, as you have in the past, as we transform into a Grey Eagle company.”

The Hunter provided a valuable surveillance and reconnaissance role for troops and commanders.

“We’re like the ‘Eyes in the Sky’ for the ground troops,” said Staff Sgt. Zachary Norris, a Hunter operator. “We’ll lead them into contact, or a raid, and make sure they’re safe.”

The Hunter’s imagery system allowed data to be processed in a matter of seconds, providing virtual, real-time information about battlefield conditions and targets, according to an Army fact sheet. Hunter’s enhanced imaging system enabled commanders to detect, identify and track hostile activity and targets, allowing commanders to target them with other units or weapon systems. The Hunter also enhanced the commander’s ability to locate and identify friendly forces to avoid unnecessary loss of life and to locate enemy targets. Read Full Article >>

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