Message posted by Magoo on November 22, 2001 at 17:41:30 PST:

In fact, Global Hawk has not yet achieved IOC (Initial Operational Capability), and is still officially in the testing stage based at Edwards. I think the first operational unit wasn't due to be formed at Beale until 2003/4.

This is not the first time the US tested new systems in combat. E.g. - the Joint-STARS J-8 was used in the Gulf in 1990/91, two full years before it was declared operational. The Predator was used in Kosovo from 1995 before it was declared operational in late 1996 (I think). Some weapons have been trialed in combat before being officially accepted into the inventory as well. It's abgreat way to iron out any final bugs in uncontrolled and 'as-real-as-it-gets' conditions.

Magoo

In Reply to: global hawk in Afghanistan posted by gary on November 22, 2001 at 11:01:03 PST:

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