RQ-1 Predator

UAV’s never really interested me until recently, I just kinda took notice of them. I guess the mention of one being downed (probably really just malfunctioned) over Afghanistan made me kind of want to learn more about them. They really are fascianting marvels of technology. I think the USAF’s RQ-1 Predator is a fine machine indeed. I read, with great interest, the news brief in a past issue of AFM about the RQ-1 being tested with AGM-114 Hellfire missile capability. I am all for this project. Armed UAV’s would be a real asset in a time of war, especially when the enemy is hard to find such as the soldiers (if you wish to call them that) of the Taliban army (if you wish to call is that). UAV’s have proven their worth in the recce role, so why not let them prove it in the attack role. I am not speaking of loading up an RQ-1 with sixteen Hellfires (i.e. AH-64), but two would be nice. I think it is a worthwhile project and was just wondering if I could get some opinions and commentary on this testing program specifically and on the RQ-1 as a whole. I like the Predator, and giving it an armed light attack role will only make it more worth the money.