Delegation Announces Depot Work at Hill AFB for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The Utah congressional delegation announced today that Hill Air Force Base has been selected as the Air Logistics Center that will be responsible for some of the most important components and systems used on the Air Force's newest unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the MQ-1 Predator and the MQ-9 Reaper. 

"These UAVs, with their advanced sensors, precision munitions and long-lingering capability, have become some of the most effective weapons in the Global War on Terror," stated Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah).  "UAVs are the weapon systems of the future and Hill is getting in on the ground floor and will be a leader in UAV depot maintenance.  From this point forward, America will never go to war without the extensive use of this type of weapons system. Once again, the Air Force has recognized the excellence of Hill's workforce."

"This announcement further strengthens Hill's role as a key component of our national defense strategy," said Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah.) "UAVs have proven to be one of the most valuable advanced weapons systems, and Hill will now play an integral role in the ongoing success and strength of this military apparatus."

"The Air Force has recognized time and again that the Ogden ALC workforce is highly-capable and efficient," said Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), member of the House Armed Services Committee. "Sending this important work to Ogden is another vote of confidence that they can do the job right. The proximity of Hill AFB to the incomparable Utah Test and Training Range is another reason to bring UAV maintenance and testing to Ogden. Unlike other locations, having the UTTR close by is a big factor in being able to adequately check out these weapons systems to ensure that they're ready to rejoin military operations."

"I am pleased that Hill Air Force Base will continue to play a vital role in our national defense.  Utah's top-notch military work force will supply some of the best technology available to fight terrorism," said Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah).

This announcement comes after the Utah delegation sent a letter to the Air Force in February 2008 encouraging that Hill be selected as a location for the operation in sustainment of the unmanned aerial systems.

Hill will be responsible for the following subsystems that make up two UAV airplanes:

MQ-1 Predator: There are currently 110 aircraft in the inventory, with more than 30 additional aircraft planned for purchase in Fiscal Year 2009.
 
•The Disassembly and Reassembly of the Aircraft for Depot Maintenance
•This includes inspecting and repairing the components that encompass the airframe. 
•Ground Data Terminal
•Primary Satellite Link
•Ground Control Station
•Multi-Spectral Targeting System
           
MQ-9 Reaper: There are currently more than 10 aircraft in the inventory, with plans to purchase many more over the next several years.
           
•The Disassembly and Reassembly of the Aircraft for Depot Maintenance
•This includes inspecting and repairing the components that encompass the airframe. 
•Command, Control and Communications (C31), with application to the Remote Flight Control of the Air Vehicle
•Landing Gear
•Composite, Plastics and Rubber and Metal Bonding Repair Technology
•This includes repairing parts, such as control surfaces, skins, and structural members that require composite, plastic, rubber and metal bonding technologies. 
           
"This selection solidifies the existing industrial base at Hill and it sets a strong foundation for future depot maintenance projects," Hatch added.

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