Operational Overview
Hunter deployed in 1999 to Kosovo to support NATO operations. Although production was cancelled in 1996, seven low rate initial production (LRIP) systems of eight aircraft each were acquired, four of which remained in service: one for training and three for doctrine development and exercise and contingency support. Hunter was to be replaced by the RQ-7 Shadow, but instead of being replaced, the Army's has kept both systems in operation, because the Hunter has significantly larger payload, range, and time-on-station capabilities than the Shadow.
Significant operation success in Kosovo led to resumption of production and technical improvements, and the system is at present in operational use in Iraq and other military operations. The system has also been armed with the Viper Strike munition.
The Army's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Battalion at Fort Huachuca, AZ trains soldiers and civilians in the operation and maintenance of the Hunter UAV.
In 2004, the United States Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine utilized the Hunter under a trial program for border patrol duties. During this program, the Hunter flew 329 flight hours, resulting in 556 detections.
A version armed with the Northrop Grumman GBU-44/B Viper Strike weapon system is known as the MQ-5A/B.
As of October 2012, the U.S. Army has 20 MQ-5B Hunters in service. The Hunter is being slowly replaced by the MQ-1C Grey Eagle. Retirement of the Hunter is expected to be completed in 2013.
Read more about this topic: IAI RQ-5 Hunter