Aviation brigade trains at NTC with first Shadow unmanned aerial system troop

By Sgt. Tracy Weeden, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade FORT IRWIN, Calif. (March 7, 2012) — For the first time, a task force of an Army aviation brigade deployed to a training scenario with their own unmanned aerial systems troop organic to them. Task Force Saber, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, made their debut to the National Training Center, known as NTC, at Fort Irwin, with F Troop and the RQ-7 Shadow UAS, which stands for unmanned aerial system. The 101st CAB is the first to have the UAS organic to their unit, truly creating a full-spectrum aviation brigade. One of the most advanced aspects of the Shadow is its ability to transmit live video feed to ground and aviation forces simultaneously, said Capt. Nathan Parker, F Troop commander. This technology also allows rotary wing assets, such as the CAB, to conduct covert operations by specifying a target prior to visual contact. “It allows air mission commanders to have additional options for developing tactical operations,” he said. “Serving as an external observation device, it permits for manned and unmanned teams to work in areas that are a high threat to aviation.” While the UAS is able to […]
Aviation brigade trains at NTC with first Shadow unmanned aerial system troop