by Rhonda DeYoung

A plane soars 15,000 feet over the Nevada desert. The pilot focuses on a 30-degree slice of viewing area — the size would be like looking through a paper towel roll — as he steers the technologically advanced flyer. The Predator, a lightweight glider-type aircraft, snaps high-definition photos and video footage of the terrain below.

The pilot, who is in a room miles away from the aircraft, stands up to stretch. It's time for his lunch break. He hands the joystick to another pilot who will guide the Predator back to the Indian Springs Air Force outpost. The test mission is a success.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been in service for more than 50 years. These remote- controlled aircrafts gather intelligence in areas that are too dangerous for pilots to fly over.

Each of the 10 types of UAVs used by the U.S. military require a lot of teamwork to work correctly. Aircraft sensors, ground control stations, satellites and up to 90 personnel are required for each aircraft to complete its mission. Here are three types of UAVs in service and one that's being designed.

Predator

This aircraft may be as long as a school bus, but it weighs only as much as a small car. Pilots can push it out of the hangar instead of having it towed. As a motorized glider, the Predator's lightweight fiberglass frame allows it to stay airborne for long periods of time. The Predator may look fancy, but its engine is similar to that of a snowmobile!

Pilots operate the craft by remote control. Because the Predator's viewing screen is narrow, pilots rely on satellites and maps for guidance. The Predator is equipped with a full motion video recorder, capable of seeing through smoke, clouds and haze. Live video pictures from this UAV relay the footage to 34 major allied and U.S. headquarters, such as the Pentagon.

When the Predator is deployed, it takes a whole team to operate the aircraft. A typical team has five pilots, 15 intelligence analysts and 20 support personnel such as weather forecasters, medics and administrators.

Global Hawk

The Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-range UAV used for scouting ground activity. Its wingspan is the length of half a hockey rink. The Hawk can stay airborne for 24 hours and has jamming capabilities to keep enemy radars from detecting its whereabouts. It can also provide real-time video footage for use in observation of an enemy site. In a single day, the Global Hawk can survey an area the size of the state of Illinois!

The Hawk made aviation history when it completed the first nonstop flight across the Pacific Ocean by remote control.

Fire Scout

The helicopter design of the U.S. Navy's Fire Scout allows it to land and take off vertically, eliminating the need for a runway. The Scout can stay in the air for six hours at a time and uses lasers to locate targets for increased accuracy. Its tasks include detailed area searches and battle damage assessments.

Pegasus

The Pegasus, which is still in development, is the future for UAVs. Operated from an aircraft carrier, the Pegasus will perform impressive flying maneuvers. Shaped like a kite, this craft has stealth qualities, which allow it to observe for long periods of time without being detected.

Eye in the Sky

UAV spies provide crucial information from their special position in the sky. Because of them, the military can make wise decisions and perform safer missions.

Gathering all the facts before taking action is a good idea. Proverbs 10:14 says, “Wise men store up knowledge.” When you have a difficult choice to make, get all the information you can — just like flight teams of UAVs do.

Flying one UAV requires a whole team of trained professionals; the pilot can't do it by himself. Living the Christian life is the same way. Each member of God's family has a specific job to do. One person can't complete the mission alone — everyone has to work together.

Most important, God doesn't leave you alone. Military UAVs have been patrolling the skies for half a century, but God has been watching over His creation since the beginning of time. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

Because of His constant watchfulness, your heavenly Father is able to perfectly meet your needs and keep you from feeling alone. Thank God today for being the ultimate eye in the sky.

	Q: What do pigs write letters with? A: Pig-pens. Alejandro P., 12, California Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe