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Hunter Killer: The True Story of the Drone Mission That Killed Anwar al-Awlaki
The firsthand account of the hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki—and the drone squadron that found him.
In September 2011, with Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden both dead, the United States pinpointed American-born terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki as priority target number one. In order to eliminate the threat, Air Force Lt. Col. T. Mark McCurley and his squadron were called upon to turn their RPAs’ main function as tracking and surveillance devices into strategic weapons. Much was resting on the mission—al-Awlaki was the face of al-Qaeda propaganda, and his loss would have serious repercussions in AQ’s recruitment efforts. The Air Force had only a limited amount of time and firepower—it was up to McCurley and his Predators to neutralize the threat before al-Awlaki disappeared underground forever.
Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), commonly referred to as drones, have become the new face of modern warfare, and Lt. Col. McCurley provides an insider look at the evolution of the RPA program. No book has ever told the story of the drones and the pilots who fly them. Until now.
With an unprecedented bird's-eye view, Lt. Col. McCurley details the start of their sixty-day surveillance of al-Awlaki up through the day the drones were ordered to take the shot, when the war on terror experienced a critical success.
In September 2011, with Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden both dead, the United States pinpointed American-born terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki as priority target number one. In order to eliminate the threat, Air Force Lt. Col. T. Mark McCurley and his squadron were called upon to turn their RPAs’ main function as tracking and surveillance devices into strategic weapons. Much was resting on the mission—al-Awlaki was the face of al-Qaeda propaganda, and his loss would have serious repercussions in AQ’s recruitment efforts. The Air Force had only a limited amount of time and firepower—it was up to McCurley and his Predators to neutralize the threat before al-Awlaki disappeared underground forever.
Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), commonly referred to as drones, have become the new face of modern warfare, and Lt. Col. McCurley provides an insider look at the evolution of the RPA program. No book has ever told the story of the drones and the pilots who fly them. Until now.
With an unprecedented bird's-eye view, Lt. Col. McCurley details the start of their sixty-day surveillance of al-Awlaki up through the day the drones were ordered to take the shot, when the war on terror experienced a critical success.
376 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2015
32 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
T. Mark McCurley
3 books6 followersLT . COL. T. MARK McCURLEY is a retired Air Force pilot and former intelligence operator. In 2003, he volunteered for the secretive Predator program, deploying five times to Iraq,Afghanistan, and other locations, where he has flown the MQ-1 Predator and the MQ-9 Reaper, accruing more than one thousand combat hours in flight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 25, 2016
Everyone has heard of drones, those unmanned, mysterious planes controlled remotely from an air-conditioned office on a military base in America. However, drones are the future of military flying technology as they are now a key counterterrorism tool. They contain cutting edge technology, powerful cameras to zoom right in to verify that the correct target has been located and are armed with Hellfire missiles, packing a lethal punch. McCurley is uniquely qualified to part the curtains on this secret world; he was one of the guys who volunteered to serve and has since become commander of a squadron and written the operating manual for the entire Predator programme.
McCurley recounts his time spent in the squadrons he served in, describing the missions that he flew or was involved with and the emotions he had in his role. When based in America he was flying sorties over Afghanistan and in no danger, but it was a struggle though to drive home through the Los Angeles traffic with the images still rolling round his mind. That all changed when he was posted to Iraq and placed on the front line. They were still flying remote, but they occasionally had insurgents fire RPGs at the base. He made is briefly back to America, before being deployed to Africa to continue the work tracking Al Qaeda operatives and running a squadron that was last in the line for logistic support.
It is a strange book in some ways, it is dry, full of technical and military jargon and on the other hand compelling as McCurley describes the missions tracking his targets. It is terrifying too, when you stop to consider where they can go and what they can do when they get there. It was thought that the removal of pilots from the front line and turning the killing into a video game would sanitise what they were doing; but the impression that you get from this book is that they are far more affected than regular pilots who do not have the high spec cameras to see the targets before and after. The writing is reasonable and worth reading if you have an interest in military technology.
McCurley recounts his time spent in the squadrons he served in, describing the missions that he flew or was involved with and the emotions he had in his role. When based in America he was flying sorties over Afghanistan and in no danger, but it was a struggle though to drive home through the Los Angeles traffic with the images still rolling round his mind. That all changed when he was posted to Iraq and placed on the front line. They were still flying remote, but they occasionally had insurgents fire RPGs at the base. He made is briefly back to America, before being deployed to Africa to continue the work tracking Al Qaeda operatives and running a squadron that was last in the line for logistic support.
It is a strange book in some ways, it is dry, full of technical and military jargon and on the other hand compelling as McCurley describes the missions tracking his targets. It is terrifying too, when you stop to consider where they can go and what they can do when they get there. It was thought that the removal of pilots from the front line and turning the killing into a video game would sanitise what they were doing; but the impression that you get from this book is that they are far more affected than regular pilots who do not have the high spec cameras to see the targets before and after. The writing is reasonable and worth reading if you have an interest in military technology.
March 17, 2016
This is a memoir more than a history of the evolution of 'drone' warfare. Interesting, but somewhat limited in perspective. Also I got bogged down in the acronyms and military jargon.
November 12, 2015
I struggled with what to write regarding this review. I have a unique perspective from most readers. I was an early leader in the Predator UAS program. I find Mark's book is an easy read, however buyer beware…you need to realize it is strictly a memoir. Amazon does a disservice to Mark by describing it as something it isn’t.
The book does an ok job explaining his limited experiences in the program. Yes, they were limited because it presents a single perspective, from a small portion, of what has been the fastest growing aerospace program that the USAF has seen in decades.
The book is NOT the first ever look inside the program. It is not a historical perspective about how or why decisions were made across all levels of the program. Nor is it a well-researched description of the technology, its breakthroughs and their impact.
If you want a true 360 exploration of the origins of the Predator program, insight into some of the key members involved and a skillfully researched look at the decisions made; take the time to read Richard Whittles book Predator- The secret origins of the drone revolution. Full disclosure, I was interviewed for that book because of my role in the development of the program.
Don’t’ shy away from Mark’s memoir but buy it with your eyes wide open understanding they type of book it really is.
The book does an ok job explaining his limited experiences in the program. Yes, they were limited because it presents a single perspective, from a small portion, of what has been the fastest growing aerospace program that the USAF has seen in decades.
The book is NOT the first ever look inside the program. It is not a historical perspective about how or why decisions were made across all levels of the program. Nor is it a well-researched description of the technology, its breakthroughs and their impact.
If you want a true 360 exploration of the origins of the Predator program, insight into some of the key members involved and a skillfully researched look at the decisions made; take the time to read Richard Whittles book Predator- The secret origins of the drone revolution. Full disclosure, I was interviewed for that book because of my role in the development of the program.
Don’t’ shy away from Mark’s memoir but buy it with your eyes wide open understanding they type of book it really is.
July 8, 2017
A well-written memoir, written at a brisk pace and with a tense style.
McCurley describes the tedium of piloting a drone, the technical details of drone operations, the patience and planning that goes into a lethal strike, the process of approving and engaging a target, the effectiveness of the strikes and the sensation of observing the enemy during a strike. Among the more well-known operations McCurley describes are the rescue of Marcus Luttrell and the hunts for Zarqawi and Awlaki (the firsthand account of the latter is particularly interesting).
He also covers how drone operators are immune from the physical risks but not from the psychological trauma of war; he describes observing Americans suffer IED attacks, observing the Taliban execution of spies but being unable to retaliate, and attacking targets that drone crews have observed for hours or days.
The style is a bit breathless, though, and some critics of the program will probably object to McCurley’s own views of the program’s utility.
McCurley describes the tedium of piloting a drone, the technical details of drone operations, the patience and planning that goes into a lethal strike, the process of approving and engaging a target, the effectiveness of the strikes and the sensation of observing the enemy during a strike. Among the more well-known operations McCurley describes are the rescue of Marcus Luttrell and the hunts for Zarqawi and Awlaki (the firsthand account of the latter is particularly interesting).
He also covers how drone operators are immune from the physical risks but not from the psychological trauma of war; he describes observing Americans suffer IED attacks, observing the Taliban execution of spies but being unable to retaliate, and attacking targets that drone crews have observed for hours or days.
The style is a bit breathless, though, and some critics of the program will probably object to McCurley’s own views of the program’s utility.
December 27, 2017
Про Вьетнам мне попадались автобиографии только про обычных людей на войне — они дружили и ругались с другими солдатами, жаловались на неудобства, развлекались, решали бытовые вопросы (разогреть сухпаек, намазав взывчатку из клеймора на камень? конечно), иногда воевали.
Теперь же, судя по этой книге и "Американскому Снайперу" Криса Кайла, автобиографии пишут про себя не как про людей, а как про действующих офицеров: ничего, кроме решения боевых задач, войны и превозмогания больше нет. Личные привязанности, дружба, хоть один раз нарушение регламента? Зато никак не обошлось про ругать адрес "либеральных конгрессменов", которые мешают солдатам "работать".
Какие книжки про Вьетнам я имел ввиду:
Blood Trails (Christopher Ronnau)
Chickenhawk (Robert Mason)
Теперь же, судя по этой книге и "Американскому Снайперу" Криса Кайла, автобиографии пишут про себя не как про людей, а как про действующих офицеров: ничего, кроме решения боевых задач, войны и превозмогания больше нет. Личные привязанности, дружба, хоть один раз нарушение регламента? Зато никак не обошлось про ругать адрес "либеральных конгрессменов", которые мешают солдатам "работать".
Какие книжки про Вьетнам я имел ввиду:
Blood Trails (Christopher Ronnau)
Chickenhawk (Robert Mason)
February 23, 2021
Wowza, a real inside the Predator Command Trailer story
Very grateful I got to read this book. “Hunter Killer” takes you inside a young MQ-1 Predator program all the way to the al-Awlaki strike. You can read all about the struggle of flying remotely, dealing with the bureaucracy and also building up standards in the Remotely Piloted Vehicle community. It’s definitely engrossing, engaging and well worth the read.
Very grateful I got to read this book. “Hunter Killer” takes you inside a young MQ-1 Predator program all the way to the al-Awlaki strike. You can read all about the struggle of flying remotely, dealing with the bureaucracy and also building up standards in the Remotely Piloted Vehicle community. It’s definitely engrossing, engaging and well worth the read.
January 11, 2023
Zakładałem, że książka o operatorach dronów może być nudna, się ten tytuł przerósł moje oczekiwania. Blisko 400 stron o niczym i bez polotu. Wyciągnąłem z tej książki może z 10 stron ciekawostek i technicznych informacji. Reszta, to lekko zalatująca niespełnionymi ambicjami, próba nadania dramaturgii i znaczenia, pracy biurowej i przepychankom logistyczno sztabowym.
February 5, 2019
With „Hunter Killer“ T. Mark McCurley describes his experiences as a pilot, instructor and unit commander operating with armed unmanned aerial systems over several years conducting operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Middle East and Africa.
This book provides a good inside into the tactical conduct of operations, the actual concerns of operators and the experiences they encounter. The reader gets a good feeling for the situation of the people conducting these missions. What McCurley describes is thus very authentic but also limited to his own experiences and views, which necessarily are not objective and will describe situations only as well, as memories go. Although this is not completely a memoir as it focusses on McCurley’s time with the Predator program, his firsthand account is neither as comprehensive, nor descriptive as a researched outsider’s account would have been.
Nevertheless McCurley’s account is an easy read, provides unique first hand insides and is authentic. Therefore it is well suited to be read alongside other more comprehensive descriptions of the program. The reader should not expect any soul searching on the morality or discussion of the legality of the operations conducted. The professional soldier he is, McCurley describes his missions without moralizing them.
In summary this is an authentic and easily readable book describing one man’s experiences inside the Predator program. This is an interesting perspective on the program but should not be mistaken for a comprehensive description and analysis.
This book provides a good inside into the tactical conduct of operations, the actual concerns of operators and the experiences they encounter. The reader gets a good feeling for the situation of the people conducting these missions. What McCurley describes is thus very authentic but also limited to his own experiences and views, which necessarily are not objective and will describe situations only as well, as memories go. Although this is not completely a memoir as it focusses on McCurley’s time with the Predator program, his firsthand account is neither as comprehensive, nor descriptive as a researched outsider’s account would have been.
Nevertheless McCurley’s account is an easy read, provides unique first hand insides and is authentic. Therefore it is well suited to be read alongside other more comprehensive descriptions of the program. The reader should not expect any soul searching on the morality or discussion of the legality of the operations conducted. The professional soldier he is, McCurley describes his missions without moralizing them.
In summary this is an authentic and easily readable book describing one man’s experiences inside the Predator program. This is an interesting perspective on the program but should not be mistaken for a comprehensive description and analysis.
March 10, 2016
Was like reading about a Commodore 64 video game I played as a child. Yes, drone controllers are better trained but they no doubt learned on machines just a few generations newer than Gunship or Silent Service by Microprose in the 80s.
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April 10, 2024As one of the few individuals with firsthand experience piloting RPAs, McCurley offers a unique vantage point on the execution of Tier One drone counterterrorism missions. Through his narrative, readers gain insight into the challenges, triumphs, and moral complexities faced by RPA pilots as they navigate the skies above, surveilling drone education and neutralizing threats to national security,one of the book's strengths lies in its ability to demystify the often sensationalized portrayal of drones in the media. McCurley humanizes the individuals behind the controls, shedding light on their drone training, dedication, and sacrifices. By providing context and perspective, "Hunter Killer" offers a nuanced understanding of the role played by drone in modern warfare. Moreover, McCurley's narrative serves as a counterpoint to the narratives of special operations forces, such as SEALs and Delta Force, which have received significant attention in recent years. "Hunter Killer" fills a crucial gap in the literature, offering the first-hand account of an RPA pilot and highlighting the importance of unmanned air operations in contemporary military strategy . The book delves into the origins of the Predator drone, tracing its development from a seemingly fragile concept to a formidable weapon capable of conducting targeted strikes on enemies located thousands of miles away. Whittle introduces readers to a remarkable cast of characters who played pivotal roles in the creation of the Predator, from a former Israeli inventor tinkering in his Los Angeles garage to billionaire entrepreneurs marketing futuristic weaponry drone,what sets "Predator" apart is its exploration of the resistance and skepticism faced by the drone program within the military establishment. Despite initial doubts about the utility of drones, a handful of visionary individuals—including fighter pilots, Pentagon operators, and members of the secretive Air Force organization known as Big Safari—championed the technology and pushed for its adoption.
May 16, 2017
This book, once again struck me as a love/hate relationship. The story line is fabulous as are the details involved in explaining to the reader the various strategic, operational and tactical aspects involved in the operation of RPAs, more commonly referred to as "drones."
In this respect it is an outstanding tale with enough biographical information to to keep it both interesting and lively.
Where it fails miserably is in the unmitigated arrogance of the author who tries to play himself of as humble. He is also very rude, petty and obnoxious at times:
On page 244 we read, "Worm [an unfortunate coincidence], a Navy helicopter pilot, was a short, fat. pig-nosed man whose mannerisms reminded me of the "Lethal Weapon" character Leo Getz.
>The fact that he did not care for this Navy lieutenant, in no way excuses his public degradation of a naval officer. Making fun of the man's physical appearance is petty and reflects poorly upon the author--who fails the test of officer and gentleman.
> On page 255 The author accredits Anwar al-Awlaki with having gained a Ph.D at George Washington University, which is patently false. A bit of research would have clarified this detail. Awlaki dropped out long before ever coming close to terminating his doctoral studies.
> On page 256 the author bemoans the injustice of his fate, despite the fact that he has done all in his power to arrive at that particular point.
> While there has always existed a certain amount of inter service rivalry, McCurley liberally heaps criticism and scorn upon any Naval officer he happens to encounter, that does not cede to his wishes.
> Consider the following lines which struck me as particularly nauseating:
P. 219: "And all this would be for nothing if I didn't get promoted."
p. 219: "While my hair was graying on the sides, his had receded significantly.
His rude arrogance is unsettling and despite the fact that he presents good solid information, this may tend to also annoy other readers. The way the author boasts of his own achievements and blows his own horn, while deriding others, means that he comes off as smug; a braggart and a pompous fool. He would do well to look up the definition of humility in the dictionary. All I can say is I am happy I read him as an author...and never served alongside him.
In this respect it is an outstanding tale with enough biographical information to to keep it both interesting and lively.
Where it fails miserably is in the unmitigated arrogance of the author who tries to play himself of as humble. He is also very rude, petty and obnoxious at times:
On page 244 we read, "Worm [an unfortunate coincidence], a Navy helicopter pilot, was a short, fat. pig-nosed man whose mannerisms reminded me of the "Lethal Weapon" character Leo Getz.
>The fact that he did not care for this Navy lieutenant, in no way excuses his public degradation of a naval officer. Making fun of the man's physical appearance is petty and reflects poorly upon the author--who fails the test of officer and gentleman.
> On page 255 The author accredits Anwar al-Awlaki with having gained a Ph.D at George Washington University, which is patently false. A bit of research would have clarified this detail. Awlaki dropped out long before ever coming close to terminating his doctoral studies.
> On page 256 the author bemoans the injustice of his fate, despite the fact that he has done all in his power to arrive at that particular point.
> While there has always existed a certain amount of inter service rivalry, McCurley liberally heaps criticism and scorn upon any Naval officer he happens to encounter, that does not cede to his wishes.
> Consider the following lines which struck me as particularly nauseating:
P. 219: "And all this would be for nothing if I didn't get promoted."
p. 219: "While my hair was graying on the sides, his had receded significantly.
His rude arrogance is unsettling and despite the fact that he presents good solid information, this may tend to also annoy other readers. The way the author boasts of his own achievements and blows his own horn, while deriding others, means that he comes off as smug; a braggart and a pompous fool. He would do well to look up the definition of humility in the dictionary. All I can say is I am happy I read him as an author...and never served alongside him.
March 24, 2022
Hunter Killer : Inside America’s Unmanned Air War (2015) by T Mark McCurley and Kevin Maurer is an account McCurley’s time flying US unmanned aircraft and working with them.
McCurley started flying the Predators fairly early when there were few squadrons and pilots and few volunteered. But it was a place where pilots could be which directly helped US troops on the front line. With the addition of the Hellfire the Predator also gained offensive capabilities. The pilots and their sensor operators work in a pretty remarkable way, communicating via voice and chat with other around the world. Remarkably they were using mIRC according to the book.
McCurley describes various missions where he flew and fired Hellfires and how the process worked. He also describes the strange feeling of using the Predator against people on the other side but people who Predator operators would sometimes observe for days. McCurley was also deployed to Africa to command a squadron that launched and recovered Predators before they were handed off to pilots flying from the US.
The Predator is an incredible weapon. The way the US can use precision weapons from the other side of the world is truly remarkable. The fact that in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine the Russians still don’t have large numbers of precision weapons shows how advanced the US. However, even with Predators with Hellfire missiles and the vast array of weapons the US has the Taliban still managed to defeat the US after 20 years in Afghanistan.
Hunter Killer is well worth a read for anyone interested in the Predator and what it’s like to fly.
McCurley started flying the Predators fairly early when there were few squadrons and pilots and few volunteered. But it was a place where pilots could be which directly helped US troops on the front line. With the addition of the Hellfire the Predator also gained offensive capabilities. The pilots and their sensor operators work in a pretty remarkable way, communicating via voice and chat with other around the world. Remarkably they were using mIRC according to the book.
McCurley describes various missions where he flew and fired Hellfires and how the process worked. He also describes the strange feeling of using the Predator against people on the other side but people who Predator operators would sometimes observe for days. McCurley was also deployed to Africa to command a squadron that launched and recovered Predators before they were handed off to pilots flying from the US.
The Predator is an incredible weapon. The way the US can use precision weapons from the other side of the world is truly remarkable. The fact that in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine the Russians still don’t have large numbers of precision weapons shows how advanced the US. However, even with Predators with Hellfire missiles and the vast array of weapons the US has the Taliban still managed to defeat the US after 20 years in Afghanistan.
Hunter Killer is well worth a read for anyone interested in the Predator and what it’s like to fly.
June 15, 2024
In this gripping account of cutting-edge warfare, Lieutenant Colonel “Squirrel” McCurley takes what could be a potentially boring subject and turns it into an exciting memoir of a unique career in the United States Air Force. Readers are taught that neither the Predator nor the Reaper, the nicknames for the two most common remotely piloted U.S. military aircraft, are “unmanned aerial vehicles” or “drones”. Rather, both aircraft are flown entirely by certified pilots from cockpits. It just so happens those cockpits are not physically located within the airplanes themselves.
We learn how the cameras on the specialized aircraft are so good, the pilots can see their targets react just seconds before impact of the Hellfire missiles. And that even if the warheads fail to detonate, the laser targeting system is so accurate that the kinetic impact of a dud will still kill its human target.
The author is careful to explain all technical terminology in a way that readers without a military or aeronautical background can easily understand. Furthermore, he balances the developmental history of the unique aircraft with fascinating stories of his career in the Air Force such as his involvement in the search for Osama bin Laden and the “Lone Survivor” Marcus Luttrell. Last but not least, “Squirrel” dives deep into the psyche while opening up about the very solemn reality behind killing someone with the pull of a trigger from thousands of miles away. Don’t miss this all-too-real account of the latest form of warfare that protects and defends our way of life.
We learn how the cameras on the specialized aircraft are so good, the pilots can see their targets react just seconds before impact of the Hellfire missiles. And that even if the warheads fail to detonate, the laser targeting system is so accurate that the kinetic impact of a dud will still kill its human target.
The author is careful to explain all technical terminology in a way that readers without a military or aeronautical background can easily understand. Furthermore, he balances the developmental history of the unique aircraft with fascinating stories of his career in the Air Force such as his involvement in the search for Osama bin Laden and the “Lone Survivor” Marcus Luttrell. Last but not least, “Squirrel” dives deep into the psyche while opening up about the very solemn reality behind killing someone with the pull of a trigger from thousands of miles away. Don’t miss this all-too-real account of the latest form of warfare that protects and defends our way of life.
March 25, 2023
An amazing book, especially for anyone interested in aviation. Apparently, we have moved from conventional military aircraft to unmanned aircraft. It's amazing to read first-person experiences. Well, geopolitics is becoming better understood. But I was more interested, of course, in the technical side of things. Initially, the drone operator was a combat aviation pilot, and how difficult it is for him to get used to control from the "office".
Потрясающая книга, особенно всем кто интересуется авиацией. Судя по всему, мы перешли от обычной военной авиации к беспилотной авиации. Потрясающе читать ощущения от первого лица. Ну и геополитика лучше становится понятно. Но мне больше интересовала, конечно, техническая сторона дела. Изначально оператор дрона был летчиков боевой авиации, и насколько ему сложно привыкать к управлению из "офиса".
Потрясающая книга, особенно всем кто интересуется авиацией. Судя по всему, мы перешли от обычной военной авиации к беспилотной авиации. Потрясающе читать ощущения от первого лица. Ну и геополитика лучше становится понятно. Но мне больше интересовала, конечно, техническая сторона дела. Изначально оператор дрона был летчиков боевой авиации, и насколько ему сложно привыкать к управлению из "офиса".
September 10, 2018
I have many different genres that I read and as a women not many would think I would be interested in a book about war and the hunt for terrorist and military , but I do because these are the men and women that keep us safe. This book is a great understanding of the different aspects of war and how it is fought. I have great respect for our military and the gruelling hours of stress and frustration they have trying to keep people around the world safe. I really liked the detailed information on how technology can now keep our military safer. Thank for this amazing book. Everyone please read this,it will give you a good prespective on how hard and rewarding it can be to stand up for your country.
August 6, 2018
Fascinating history of the MQ-1 Predator's history in the Global war of Terror by one of its early pilots, who later became a squadron commander. He discusses the program's growing pains, from being seen as a negative assignment for pilots, to its later growth, maturation and acceptance by the greater military community. He also relates his and the aircraft's involvement in some key engagements, including supporting the rescue of "Lone Survivor" Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, the Predator's first use in direct armed support of troops on the ground and the targeting of terrorist leaders Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and Anwar al-Awlaki.
April 7, 2021
Книга о первых массовых использованиях БПЛА в военных действиях. RQ-2 #Pioneer, MQ-1 #Predator, MQ-9 #Reaper - основные действующие БПЛА в книге. Изначально считал, что книга наподобие псевдонаучных книг, но оказалось, что ничего подобного. Автор книги - в прошлом пилот БПЛА, после - командир эскадрильи БПЛА в Джибути. Подробно описываются полеты, боевые вылеты, вообще в целом боевое применение БПЛА, очень хорошо показано, как работают команды по сопровождению полетов, техническому обслуживанию БПЛА. Советую книгу людям, жизнь которых связана с БПЛА. Но я думаю, они и так ее читали =). P.S. Некогда и я был связан с БЛПА, так что мне тема эта близка.
January 1, 2018
The book is well written and easy to read. It gives a pilot's perspective to the development of the Predator. Highly recommended to understand the way these systems work.
I think the main strength of the book is that it takes a rather dry subject and gives it a human face.
The book does not get into the Why of these aircraft but goes in deep detail into the How.
If that is what you are looking for this book is for you.
I think the main strength of the book is that it takes a rather dry subject and gives it a human face.
The book does not get into the Why of these aircraft but goes in deep detail into the How.
If that is what you are looking for this book is for you.
January 22, 2019
Great historical account of an Air Force Officer during an awe inspiring period of innovation in aerial the fight for right and justice against a societal menace to life and freedom.
I applaud LtCol McCurley for his writing an in depth memoir of his progression in the development of innovative actions with UAV technology. As well as enduring extreme conditions while maintaining/building moral among his fellow airmen.
Thank you Colonel
I applaud LtCol McCurley for his writing an in depth memoir of his progression in the development of innovative actions with UAV technology. As well as enduring extreme conditions while maintaining/building moral among his fellow airmen.
Thank you Colonel
May 26, 2022
This an "ok" read. Parts of it were pretty boring, and the constant use of acronyms got quite tiresome. However, I did learn a lot about the unmanned arial vehicles, and how their use evolved over the years through content warfare. I can truly say that I have a greater appreciation for them.
I do recommend this book for those who like military history and technical jargon.
I do recommend this book for those who like military history and technical jargon.
November 24, 2022
4.25 stars for this excellent, well written account of a predator pilot / officer early in the GWOT era. The narrative is fast paced and informative and does a good job highlighting the ways in which remotely piloted warplanes and their sorties and employment are and are not like warplanes that came before. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2023
Interesting subject matter, but not exceptionally well-written. Some chapters address problems, such as a lack of team spirit or discipline in a unit, but the book then largely fails to explain how these issues were tackled or how these changes affected the personnel involved. Loose ends like these left me unsatisfied.
May 22, 2017
A good description of what the unmanned aerial vehicle program is about from someone who has lived it. I enjoyed the fact that this is not SkyNet from the Terminator movies, but there are real folks in the virtual cockpit.
September 23, 2018
Очень понравилось. Люблю читать про профессионалов из другой сферы деятельности
Понравился описанный рос профессионализма подхода к работе и выстраивание процессов команды.
Военная часть описана только с позитивной роли, нет ошибочных ударов по гражданским и т.п. Только бравые операции.
Понравился описанный рос профессионализма подхода к работе и выстраивание процессов команды.
Военная часть описана только с позитивной роли, нет ошибочных ударов по гражданским и т.п. Только бравые операции.
December 7, 2018
A really fascinating look at drone warfare from its practical inception to the early 2010s. The author writes in such a way as if you are in the seat behind him, flying to far away lands. Very interesting and enjoyable.
June 30, 2017
An interesting read on the Air Force squadrons that fly the Predator remote piloted aircraft. It explored how their training and how some of their tactics have developed in the War on Terror.
November 29, 2017
This is a great book for a behind the scenes look at Drone and Remotely Piloted Vehicle warfare in the modern age. I learned a lot from reading it.
April 16, 2018
good, enjoyed it and provides window into the drone history of the predators.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2018
Well written book, and gave you a bird's eye view into the operators behind the Drones.
August 2, 2019
An excellent memoir chronicling yet another evolutionary step in human conflict.
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