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Rented Spy Planes See Action
- Article from:
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Signal
- Article date:
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September 1, 2008
- Author:
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Copyright informationCopyright Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Sep 2008. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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Unique arrangement allows the United Kingdom to operate robot recon aircraft without the maintenance costs.
British troops operating in Afghanistan and Iraq are using privately owned and maintained unmanned aircraft for battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The effort effectively leases the aircraft to the military while the private firm covers maintenance and operational costs.
Demand for battlefield reconnaissance has risen constantly since coalition forces began operating in Southwest Asia. Although the number of robot aircraft has grown to meet the demand, not all nations enjoy ready access to surveillance data.
The leasing contract has been in place for just over a ...