The Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) mission is to provide close air support, air interdiction, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and attack to eliminate threats when present. The multi-role capabilities of these RPAs allows Combat Search and Rescue operations and extended time over targets to locate, track, target, strike, and assess time sensitive targets - all capabilities that minimize the danger to the men and women of the Air National Guard.
The Predator might be a remotely piloted aircraft, but it takes a team of highly trained airmen to make its missions successful. The pilot can be located anywhere in the world, gathering information and directing attacks on enemies. Missions include close air support, air interdiction, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
The Reaper aircraft lives up to its grim name. This remotely piloted aircraft provides a unique capability to find and eliminate high-value, time-sensitive targets. Its significant loiter time, wide-range sensors, multi-mode communications and precision weapons, give it the unique capability to locate, track, target, strike, and assess time sensitive targets (TSTs). Reaper's expanded capabilities include: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), close air support (CAS), combat search and rescue (CSAR), precision strike, buddy-laser, convoy/raid overwatch, route clearance, target development and terminal air guidance.