Article

2012-09-19 Afghanistan

Michael Yon on another deadly aspect of indigenous training

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Posted by Besoeker 2012-09-19 07:24|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 During the Vietnam period, it was proposed to launch a geosynchronous sat of such size as to be able to direct reflected sunlight during the night to an area of military operations. Employing mylar similar to the earlier Echo satellites, it would create a reflective surface large enough to create an artificial moonlight. The usual suspects raised a ruckus that it would interfere with 'natural' cycles of the flora and fauna of any region [and nighttime ops of the enemy who they sided with].

Posted by Procopius2k 2012-09-19 09:31|| 2012-09-19 09:31|| Front Page Top

#2 One frightening passage:
Our UAVs over Afghanistan fly with their strobes flashing to avoid collisions. If a Predator or Reaper crashes into a commercial airliner because it was flying blacked out while staring at the ground, that is a problem. The enemy can see our UAVs from miles away.

Posted by Frozen Al 2012-09-19 14:34|| 2012-09-19 14:34|| Front Page Top

#3 Our UAVs over Afghanistan fly with their strobes flashing to avoid collisions. If a Predator or Reaper crashes into a commercial airliner because it was flying blacked out while staring at the ground, that is a problem. The enemy can see our UAVs from miles away.

Air Tasking Orders (ATO's) are issued and parameters (altitudes and operational boxes) are well defined. There is quite a lot of planning and safety involved in this process. "Seeing" a UAV aloft from the ground is very difficult if not impossible.

Posted by Besoeker 2012-09-19 14:53|| 2012-09-19 14:53|| Front Page Top

#4 Air Tasking Orders (ATO's) are issued and parameters (altitudes and operational boxes) are well defined

A practice some militaries (and at least one 'much-vaunted' one) do not engage in, sometimes to their detriment.

Posted by Pappy 2012-09-19 17:03|| 2012-09-19 17:03|| Front Page Top

#5 Wahahahaha, you got it Pappy.

Posted by Besoeker 2012-09-19 17:12|| 2012-09-19 17:12|| Front Page Top

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