At a combat zone, a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 drone has successfully perform an Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) without the need for a ground-based Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) for the first time.
U.S Air Force by Tech Sgt. Melissa Isidro
The feat was accomplished during Exercise Oktober Fist, a training exercise conducted by the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing.
“The ability to autonomously launch and recover MQ-9s from austere locations without a recovery crew is a leap in operational potential. This is essential in creating a dynamic weapon system that will out-maneuver our adversary,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Barber, 332d AEW A2/3/5 Directorate Deputy.
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