An email from 'Moose' tells me he watched, live, the flight of a NASA version of the MQ-9 Predator known as 'Ikhana', over southern California last night. It was using it's Infra Red sensors to detect hot spots and potential areas of concern to the firefighters on the ground.
It is due to fly a similar mission today, 25 October, and will again use the callsign 'NASA870' and be controlled from the ground at Edwards AFB.
He also enclosed a screen shot, showing it's flight path, as it flew back into Edwards.
http://flightaware.com/live/flight/NASA870
For an interview with the pilot, click here and then click 'listen'.
Thanks Moose
Is there anybody out there?
My wings are like a shield of steel.
The USAF are sending Global Hawks up for photo reconnaissance. Wonder how long they're staying up for?
Story at the LA Times.