Hunter Killer book extract: Inside the lethal world of drone warfare - forced air boot dryer

Unmanned predator drones used by the US Air Force and the CIA destroy targets without endangering ground forces.
Source: The phone at the operations center of the Supply Squadron rang, and I grabbed it after the first bell rang.
This is my private route directly to the Joint Task Force at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
We have been tracking.
Profile target and I have a feeling that this is the call we have been waiting for a few weeks.
"The squirrel is here," I said . "
The "predator" drone liaison or LNO is in line.
He works at the joint operations center. JOC)commander.
His job is
Coordinate Predator missions in the area.
My Squadron provides predators to monitor and combat suspected terrorists and pirates.
"Launch," the liaison said . "“How many?
"There are all three," he said . "
Three predators with two AGM.
114 Hellfire missiles were waiting on each ramp.
The plane is on alert and ready to take off at any time.
The phone line is not safe enough to confirm, but I know one thing when I hang up.
Wolves were hunted today.
Predator drones are drones, so their pilots sit in ground control stations and operate remotely.
Picture: John Moore/Getty Images, September 30, 2011.
I am the commander of the 60 expedition Reconnaissance Squadron of the Lemonnier Battalion built by the French Foreign Legion in Djibouti.
The country used to be a colony of France, where the weather was very hot, with few assets to save it, except for the Gulf of Aden in northwestern Somalia and Yemen.
It is the main strategic property at the US counter
Terrorist action
Camp Lemonnier shares a runway in Djibouti
Ambli International Airport is located on the outskirts of Djibouti city and adjacent to the only major seaport serving East Africa.
Following the attacks of September 11, the United States leased it from the Djibouti government for $38 million a year in order to establish a channel for its humanitarian operations inland.
The Marines were the first Americans to base in 2002 and quickly set up a small base that could be flown by air.
The mandate of the joint task force in the Horn of Africa has grown rapidly, including intelligence --
Operations throughout East Africa.
A few years later, the joint committee stepped up to address the growing threat of terrorism in the region and the Gulf of Aden on the Arabian Peninsula.
I hung up the phone and made the command to start.
My operations director called the maintenance guy on the ramp and communicated the message.
With the pilot of the ground control station, a single prop on the back of the predator starts buzzing
A container with a cockpit containing everything needed to control the aircraftstarted pre-flight checks.
My pilot slowly manipulated the predator from the ramp to the runway.
Three crew members, 1300 km kilometers away in the United States, sat on the console in the air and climbed into their cockpit.
The air-conditioned dormitory at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico is waiting to control birds.
My pilot in Djibouti will carry out the take-off mission and hand over control of the predator to the pilots in the United States for the flight mission. As a 10-
Veterans who have worked on the Predator program for a year, I have participated in these missions countless times before.
No other aircraft in the Air Force use two crew members.
One take off, the other fly mission.
Our show is not unique.
I went outside to see the press conference.
When the three planes began to spin, the thermometer near the building hovered at 35C.
For predators, the heat is a worse enemy than al Qaeda.
The "hot window" hit us.
If the weather gets hotter, subtle electronics inside the predator can overheat and melt, and then reach cooler temperatures at higher altitudes.
Back at the Action Center, I could hear it by radio when the Djibouti air traffic control tower cleared the predator to take off.
I watched the predator roll off the runway from the concrete barrier, and if it weren't for a slight tilt at the end of the tarmac, they could barely take off.
After flying in the air, the Predator flew to the sea before returning to Yemen.
I checked my watch.
We had a few hours before the predator crossed the Gulf of Aden and became the target.
I went back to my other duties, but I made a mental record and went to the task force to watch the feed in a few hours.
The weather was still hot when I walked into the task force's facilities.
The thermometer at the door now shows a gentle 48 C.
There is no comforting sea breeze in summer, only 15-to 20-
The wind from the desert feels more like a hair dryer. A wall-
As I walked into the metal prefabricated building, the installed air conditioner was rotating.
In order to keep up with the choking temperature outside, the small unit is tense. Six fifty-
The walls around commander JOC's podium are lined with inch plasma screens.
Everyone shows videos of various predators or Reaper flying in the area.
Some are in Africa.
Most of them are in Yemen.
Pilots and sensor operators who fly aircraft are stationed in many parts of the world, digitally connecting with our aircraft as if they were in the lobby.
When I walked into the room, the room was full of expectation.
Commander JOC, a short officer, stood on the central podium in the center of the room.
He can see all six monitors from his location.
The Predator LNO stands at his desk, just a few steps from the commander's right. “That him?
"I asked a tall Air Force major, Predator LNO.
"Not sure," LNO said . ".
"We confirmed he was active about five hours ago.
"LNO did not look away from the display that showed the Predator video feed.
"We're still looking at him.
No "eyes" means we can't see the goal.
Those guys never said where the clues came from.
Goal is Anwar al. Awlaki.
Their goal: American-born AnwarAwlaki.
Image: HO/AFP/Getty Image resource: Yemeni parents born in New York, New Mexico, al-
Awlaki, 38, kept in touch with two hijackers in September 11 and kept in touch with Major Nidal Malik Hasan by email, 2009 Hasan in hudderburg, TexasAl-
Awlaki also encouraged Nigerian student Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to try to blow up Detroit with an underwear bomb-
Flights for Christmas 2009.
After being investigated by the FBI about his relationship with al Qaeda
Olaki fled to London and then to Yemen, where he was the editor-in-chief of al-Qaida English.
Chinese recruitment magazine, inspirational.
The magazine published an article about how to make a bomb.
The Boston Marathon bomber will eventually use the article to attack.
On the monitor, I saw the town of Khashef, a small village in the north of the capital Sanaa of Yemen.
This village looks like a mixture of mud.
Brick and slag
Throw a house together at will.
It is indescribable as a hidden thing
Close enough to the big city and only a short drive from the amenities.
"The goal is very active," said an analyst sitting nearby . ".
"We see signs that he is acting.
Two white Toyota HiLux trucks were parked outside a house in the village.
Two trucks have a huge taxi of about 5 people. The black-and-
White predators feed on a plasma screen locked on a lead truck.
The officer gave it to al-
I checked the coordinates of Awlaki.
The two trucks are very close to the coordinates.
My predator is close enough to the target to think of himself as the target.
We all watched closely as eight people spilled from a nearby house and quickly climbed up the truck.
They wear traditional clothes, white robes and headscarves.
One climbed into the truck in white.
Before the lead truck driver took off, the doors were barely closed, accompanied by dust and exhaust gas.
After a while, follow the vehicle.
"Stay with them," Commander JOC said . ".
I watched LNO type commands on his keyboard and send commands to the Predator crew in Nevada via a secure internet chat.
A few seconds later, the predator's sensor operator successfully transferred the cross-star to the leading truck, setting the camera under the nose of the aircraft to track the truck.
The staff is very efficient and very good.
I know a skilled team is important today.
"Sir," said the officer.
"Awlaki has just announced that he is moving.
"Yes, sir," said another official . ".
"The phone is from the leading vehicle.
Commander JOC nodded.
"I want everyone to pay attention to me.
"In a few seconds, the feed of the other two predators was transferred to two cars passing through the village market.
Vendors and shoppers blocked the road late at night and made final purchases before the midday heat, making shopping unbearable.
When the drivers broke through the crowds, the crowd slowed down the truck.
"Gordon is the main character," Commander JOC said . ".
Gordon is the headline of predator.
The plane was shot down to defend a man in Somalia-
In 1993, there were 60 Black Hawk crew members.
This is the only predator call not based on Air Force legend.
The target is al-
Awlaki is en route between Khashef and Marib village.
An isolated strike meant no witnesses and low collateral damage.
It also protects civilians from harm. Al-
Awlaki will not show up at the meeting at all.
"LNO, run ROE now," Commander JOC said . ".
"Let the crew launch missiles.
"ROE or warring rules are a set of criteria that must be met by legal shooting in combat.
No Predator crew can strike until the fish is satisfied.
I know we have to be careful and make sure the target is actually al-Awlaki.
We are not drones but professional pilots and planners who double check every target to make sure the shooting is legal and just.
We didn't shoot until he cleared the village.
Hellfire missiles will destroy his truck, but they will also fire deadly shrapnel into the surrounding buildings.
The miss in the village will be disastrous.
This will be the biggest operation since Osama bin Laden's mission nearly five months ago.
We are chasing the new number one goal in Washington.
It will be a high
It may consolidate the iconic mission "contour strike" of predator and remote control aircraft "(RPA)
Community as the leading anti-American
Weapons of terrorism
When I started flying predators in 2003, we mainly watched and listened.
We are considered second.
Class Citizen next to Fighter Squadron.
But in the past decade
We will be hunters in the long war.
Predators and Reaper are responsible for heavy air strikes in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen.
By 2013, decision makers no longer need to venture on the ground for exhaustive and expensive adventures.
Predators and Reaper may silently cross the line on the map to track terrorists and kill them if necessary.
American Air Force MQ-
Predator drone with Hellfire air-to-Ground missiles.
Image: John Moore/Getty Image Source: Getty image RPA gives US officials a long arm to attack US enemies abroad directly.
LNO put on headphones so he can talk to the Predator pilot.
Internet chat will now be used to record coordinates and permissions.
When his headphones are in place, LNO flick a switch so that all three predators can hear his command.
"Gordon," said LNO.
"You're ahead, admit it.
"A very clear voice, with only a hint of static flavor, responded.
"Received, Gordon is ahead," the pilot said . ".
"Complete the checklist twice.
"Mikes" is a radio term for a few minutes.
The convoy crossed the market and accelerated its pace as it approached the edge of the town.
We only shot him.
If we miss it
Awlaki will land.
We find him for a few more months.
If we find him again
The driver stayed in the village for some time because he knew the civilians had protected him and his passengers.
But once he's on the road, speed is his only guarantee.
After years of similar missions, I know it can be difficult to shoot outdoors.
No one abides by traffic regulations, and the car runs along the highway in the area at near reckless speed. Al-
I'm sure the driver of Awlaki will not make any difference.
The motorcade runs along the winding path through the outskirts of the town, into the highway, traveling in smaller villages and open deserts. "The goal is clear. Any word? ” Gordon said.
The pilot's voice was not emotional or stressful.
LNO looks at commander JOC.
He just shook his head.
"This is no, Gordon," LNO said . ".
"Still waiting for news.
The "waiting word" is a euphemism for someone who cannot or will not make a decision.
This is not an easy decision.
We're going to shoot an American terrorist abroad.
Only the president can approve a strike of this magnitude.
"Received," Gordon said.
"Try to keep the position so we can get a quick shot," LNO said . ".
Gordon did not respond.
He didn't have time because he was trying to keep the plane at the best shooting range while predicting the sudden turn of the target.
Also, the pilot doesn't want to get caught up in the classic argument of "Don't tell the pilot how to fly the plane.
A few seconds later, another predator flying nearby, Bong, scanned the scenery in front of the convoy.
"The plain is flat," Bong said . ".
"It looks like we're about to hit.
"Yes," Gordon said . "
The most logical location is the most direct.
The vehicle will maintain a constant speed on predictable routes.
There are very few ridge lines that stop missiles or target lasers. As expected, al-
The convoy of olaki attacked the plain and immediately accelerated.
The dust of the double cock tail kicked behind them as they deposited sand on the road through the recent winds and sandstorms. “Ten minutes.
Gordon's comments are more questionable than statements.
We have 10 minutes.
Awlaki arrived at Marib.
If the predator is going to shoot, it needs to shoot on this road.
Commander JOC fixed the headphones to his ears and he shook his head negatively.
Each time the convoy passes a mile mark, the chances of a strike are reduced.
I looked at the monitor when Gordon adjusted the position.
Pilots fly faster than trucks
Turn in order not to let the team pass. If al-
Awlaki knows we're on top of him, and that's not what he is.
The truck galloped down on the highway.
"Gordon, say status," LNO said . ".
"The checklist has been completed, waiting for approval," Gordon said . ".
"Copy," LNO said . ".
"Bong, enter the position immediately --up attack.
If Gordon misses, he will not be able to launch a second missile.
He will be so affected by the proximity that the missile will not be able to negotiate.
If the first strike is successful, Bong will lurk to track or hit the second car far away.
"The window closed in five minutes," Gordon said . "“Say status.
"I looked at commander JOC when he hung up.
"It's time," he said. “Pass the 9-Line.
LNO presses the "Enter" key on his keyboard.
He's been playing nine-
Line, which clarifies the shooting sequence in the script Line.
Each line sends specific information to the pilot.
Joint Terminal Attack Controller of task force (JTAC)
An air force pilot trained in air strikes went online.
He has been watching feed in the operation center.
JTACs are usually on the ground, but this is not possible in Yemen.
We have no troops there.
Instead, JTAC monitors the mission from his desk at the Action Center and only comes in before the strike.
"Gordon, this is the badger," JTAC said . ". “9-In chat.
Phone with direction
The video footage on the two trucks is still fixed.
Occasionally, when the camera adjusts to the action of the predator, the photo is tilted and rotated.
Gordon did not respond.
The pilot is introducing the shooting to his sensor operator, the second person in his crew.
The sensor operator is a soldier pilot who controls the sensor compartment of a predator near the nose of the aircraft and fires a target laser.
Especially when preparing to launch a missile, he is the second pair of eyes.
Everyone in the action group began to get nervous because the briefing was long.
Long uncomfortable
Why haven't they done that yet?
I turned my weight from my foot to my foot and tried to drain some of my stressed energy.
LNO also moved in his seat, reflecting my discomfort.
No one in the action group wants to miss this opportunity.
No one is sure when we will have another chance.
I checked the clock hanging on the monitor.
Three minutes left.
The video recline again.
"Gordon came in from the South," the pilot said . ". “One minute.
JTAC did not hesitate.
"You're so sexy, Gordon.
We are all waiting for the green light.
At last, director JOC nodded and JTAC passed 9-Line.
Gordon is ready to shoot.
"Copy, remove the heat," said Cannon's pilot . ".
Thirty seconds passed.
Two HiLux trucks are getting bigger in the camera's view.
"The laser turns on," Gordon said.
A black icon flashed across the screen that says "LRD Des ".
Lead trucks transporting aluminum
Awlaki grew up as the main character on the screen.
Because the distance is too close, the control device becomes sensitive, so the picture twitching.
The second car is no longer visible.
"Three, two, one. . .
Familiar double
When the fire signal interrupts the satellite signal, click override audio.
A moment later, when the dazzling white flash of the missile's exhaust plume washed away the sensitive infrared image, the HUD was blank.
The predator immediately tilted to the right.
On the computer monitor, Gordon's little blue icon rotates until it is parallel to the road.
In such a magnification, the plane looks like it is on the road.
I have a picture of the moving lens I drew in my mind.
The crew have been following it perfectly so far.
The predator flies parallel to the truck to make it easier for the sensor to keep the laser on the target.
The cross-line of the sensor pulls down from the target after it is rolled out, but quickly adjusts and places the cross-line in al-Awlaki’s truck.
The vehicle did not turn and did not even change the speed. Al-
Awlaki continued down the road and did not seem to be aware of the threat.
In my mind, I started checking my mental list as if I was flying.
I know two short ones.
The second combustion of the Hellfire engine accelerated the missile to nearly one.
Mach 4, created a sound explosion.
This strong acceleration caused the missile to be 10 times as heavy as gravity.
When the missile's sensor detects enough g-
Armed with troops and warheads. The infra-
The red eyes open and look for the laser spot.
I know the missile keeps the reflected laser energy in its field of view with its fins.
It constantly adjusts the route to keep the focus focused on the glass of the searcher's head.
"Ten seconds," said the pilot.
Predators follow al-Awlaki’s truck.
If he raises his head, it is entirely possible for him to see the plane as the pilot relaxed a little bit of the rudder and pulled his nose out of the target.
The distance at this time determines the stability of the sensor.
Too close, the cross will shake.
The angle is not so steep a few miles away, and the cross line will remain stable.
In 5 seconds, the speed of the missile was reduced to less than the speed of the sound, causing a second sound explosion.
The shock wave moves in all directions, making the biggest sound in the direction of the missile.
There were crowds all over the two trucks.
These are not very big boom, it is hard to hear if the radio is on or the window is open causing the wind to roar into the cab.
The truck sped forward.
"Five, four, three . . . . . . " The sensor loosened his grip.
Cross quasi-star moves towards leading vehicles.
The pilot stopped and let the sensor focus on his cross hair.
A black stripe enters the picture from above, runs down and hits the hood of the truck.
It hit exactly where the sensor placed the cross line.
Smoke coming out of the hood and debris coming out of the engine in all directions.
The truck slipped awkwardly, spinning sideways and rolling to one stop.
The truck carrying the safety team frantically stepped on the brakes and turned to miss the first car.
Bong is behind.
He rolled in, was cleared by the Task Force JTAC, and put a missile into the hood of the second truck.
The tracking for a few months ended in a few seconds.
There was little response from the Action Center. No cheers. No high fives.
The task force is too professional in this regard.
I shook hands with the frog. He was smiling.
We are a team.
We won the victory, which is evident from the burning truck in the Monitor.
It wasn't long before Anwar al-
The death of Awlaki came.
Image source: the two predators of the New York Post began their journey back to Djibouti.
The third person lingered for a while observing the survivors.
There was no ground team to verify the killings.
We had to wait for other sources.
He will be missed at the next meeting and someone will want to send a team to find him.
Verification of Al-
Awlaki died in a few hours. Abdullah al-
Jumaili, tribal chief from Al Jawf province, later told the New York Times that the truck was almost destroyed and it was difficult to identify the body.
He's "100 sure. " al-
Awlaki was killed.
We also saw the enemy's message about his death, almost as fast as CNN's announcement of air strikes.
A few days later, President Obama said: "olaki's death is a major blow to al-Qaida's most active partners in action . ".
I walked back to my yard and walked to T-
Watch the obstacles approaching the first plane Bong.
My commander, Colonel Jay bikly, is visiting the base and with me.
"Our mission today has been successful," I told him . ".
Hunter Killer: in the deadly world of drone wars, it is now available.
Source: supply this is an excerpt from the book "Hunter Killer: The Deadly World of Drone Wars" by Lieutenant Colonel T Mark McCurley and Kevin Maurer.
Published by Allen & Unwin. RRP$32. 99.
The book is now available on Booktopia and iBooks.