On Fri, 23 Apr 2004 19:40:48 -0500, (Mike Money)
wrote in Message-Id: :

Larry,

The Predator is equipped with a modified Honeywell ETCAS TPA-81A. The
system responds to Mode 1, 2, 3, 4, A, C, and S. Forward surveillance
has been extended to 360 degrees.

http://www.honeywelltcas.com/etcas_tpa81a.htm
System Operation
ETCAS provides two modes of operation. The basic mode is ACAS II
which is the same as TCAS II with Change 7.0 software and is RVSM
compatible. In addition to the standard TCAS functions of
situational awareness, traffic alert and resolution advisories,
the Honeywell ETCAS provides a formation mode. This formation mode
allows aircraft operators to locate, identify, rendezvous with and
maintain flight formation with aircraft equipped with a variety of
identification systems, including Identification Friend and
Fo(IFF), Modes 1, 2, 3, and 4, Mode A, Mode C and Modes S
transponder equipped private, commercial and military aircraft.

In order for UAV operators to rely upon the Honeywell ETCAS for
aircraft separation, _all_ aircraft would have to be transponder
equipped, and FARs would have to be changed to mandate transponder use
at all times while airborne. So while TCAS is definitely part of the
solution to aircraft separation, it would not separate UAVs from
aircraft without electrical systems, nor those operating in airspace
where transponder operation is not mandated by regulation.

In addition, Predator is data-linked to airborne and ground commands for
control and observation.

I'd like to know more about that.

Predator is piloted by a ground controller who is assisted by up to six
(6) mission specialist. Each specialists is responsible for the
sensor/system he/she is operating to complete the mission (optical, IR,
armament, etc.). The pilot ground controller is dedicated to flying the
airplane. Some controllers are certified pilots and all controllers
have spent many hours in a simulator.

How will the flying public feel about sharing the sky with
uncertificated UAV operators with lots of sim time? Shall we now
permit gamers with lots of MS Flight Simulator time to ply the
nation's skies? Yikes!

There are more eyeballs on a Predator and its proximity to everything
than any GA aircraft.

Mike $$$ (PA28)

What is the aggregate cost for all those eyeballs?

What is the cost of two man Cessna 182 patrol?

Are there any eyeballs aboard the UAV that meet the vision
requirements of a certificated airman: 20/20 binocular color vision?

Before the government starts operating UAVs among the flying public,
they need to insure UAVs will meet the same or better criteria they
currently demand of airman. Anything less is criminal negligence.