BUFF 8 Posted February 19, 2008 DATE:18/02/08 SOURCE:Flight International Italy approves deal for four Predator B UAVs By Pino Modola The defence committee of the Italian House of Representatives has passed a proposal to procure four General Atomics Predator B unmanned air vehicles for the nation's air force, with the aircraft to join four in-service Predator As. Expected to cost the defence ministry €80 million ($117 million) by 2011, the procurement has been approved despite the recent dissolution of Italy's parliament in advance of a general election expected to take place on 13-14 April. Flown by the air force's Amendola-based 32nd Wing, Italy's current Predator A fleet has amassed more than 3,000 flight hours, including operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Offering a mission endurance of up to 30h, the larger and faster Predator B is already in service with the UK Royal Air Force and the US Air Force to support surveillance activities in Afghanistan, with the latter also having used the UAV to deploy air-to-surface weapons. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MigBuster 2,884 Posted February 19, 2008 Radio controlled planes have always been expensive - always wanted a Spitfire when I was little but couldnt afford it either Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted February 19, 2008 Didn't the B get a new name? I can't remember... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nesher 628 Posted February 19, 2008 i thought only the U.S. operates those UAV's guess not ^_^ thanks for the news Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BUFF 8 Posted February 19, 2008 Predator B is "Reaper". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
