ED08-0151-02
A Predator B unmanned aircraft system is used by NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA, for a variety of environmental science and aeronautical research roles. Built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. of San Diego in 2006, the aircraft has been given the Choctaw Nation name “Ikhana” (pronounced ee-KAH-nah), which means intelligent.
Designed for long-endurance, high-altitude flight, Ikhana is being flown primarily on Earth science missions under NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. It is also being used for advanced aircraft systems research and technology development.
As part of the Ikhana/Predator B acquisition, NASA also purchased a ground control station and satellite communication system for control of the aircraft and transmittal of research data. The ground control station is in a mobile trailer and, in addition to the pilot’s “cockpit,” includes computer workstations for scientists and engineers. All of the aircraft systems are mobile, making Ikhana ideal for remote studies.
Shown here, a ground crewman unplugged electrical connections during pre-flight checks of NASA’s Ikhana research aircraft. Ikhana’s payload pod is mounted on the left wing.July 8, 2008
NASA Photo / Tony Landis