No Substitute for Lab's Ongoing "SPort": Surrogate Predator Support Published July 8, 2010 By Mary Rodriguez Directed Energy KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Having provided ongoing support to the Surrogate Predator program since 2008, Air Force Research Laboratory delivered the second of two requested surrogate aircraft earlier this year. The SP program provides the Air Force with simulated Predator aircraft that, when employed with other AF assets in Green Flag exercises, enable actual Predators to continue critical real-world operations. Integrated with Army combat training centers at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Irwin, California, SPs provide close air support along with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission support during Green Flag deployment training exercises. This win-win program saves Air Combat Command $1.5 million per year in contracted ISR support, while providing the most cutting-edge ISR capabilities available. It also enables the Army to practice using the aircraft without removing Predators from deployed locations and, meanwhile, provides AFRL a platform for technology integration and warfighter training insight. In December 2008, AFRL's Standoff Intelligence Detection team responded to ACC's expressed need for surrogate Predator aircraft. Leveraging an existing contract and the subject-matter expertise of the SID team, AFRL's Optics Division was able to build two imaging turrets and install them on Civil Air Patrol aircraft. Prior to the SP program effort, ACC relied on expensive contracted ISR support when Predators were recalled for higher-priority operations. Based on the enormous utility of the first two surrogates delivered, ACC has requested a third surrogate Predator for Green Flag exercise use.