Mr L,
In none of my posts have I mentioned that the Predators radar capability is applicable to Nimrod tasks. While the RQ-1/MQ-1 Predator has an extremely useful SAR/MTI capability, this overlaps into the Sentinel's role rather than the active sensors of your own beasty.
The main relevence of Predator is in it's passive sensor fits. Indeed, unlike your own platform it has a real time broadband data link enabling customers access to the product directly. I doubt very much if any of your current customers are even familiar with the Predator, let alone seen it's product.
Therefore, my comments stand. UAVs such as Predator can accomplish several of the roles of the MR2/MRA4 more flexibly (in terms of where they can operate from and their more 'discrete' nature), more effectively, and with a considerably reduced logistics footprint.
The only advantage that I can see with Nimrod over an asset such as a Predator type platform is it's ability to climb out of icing, and in it's more rapid transit time. However, Predator B has already overcome the icing/wx issue due to it's far improved altitude performance. Once agin however, let me make it clear that I am referring to the overland environment. A jet powered, manned platform is currently, IMHO, the best option for maritime/Underwater Battlespace Ops.
Regards,
M2
Last edited by Magic Mushroom; 5th February 2004 at 07:15.