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Myth: RPAs are made from alien technology and are flown from area 51. Fact: The U.S. Air Force actually has a long history of unmanned flight and we are still learning new and better ways to fly. We will continue to improve our methods of training, conducting operations and employing new weapon systems. The development and integration of unmanned aircraft represent a continuation of this trend and has been around since the early 1900s. The primary installations where RPAs are based and flown are Beale AFB, CA; Holloman AFB, NM; Creech AFB, NV; and Grand Forks AFB, ND. There are additional Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard installations that are part of the distributed ground stations that support RPA flights and data analysis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nadine Barclay)




Myth: RPAs are made from alien technology and are flown from area 51. Fact: The U.S. Air Force actually has a long history of unmanned flight and we are still learning new and better ways to fly. We will continue to improve our methods of training, conducting operations and employing new weapon systems. The development and integration of unmanned aircraft represent a continuation of this trend and has been around since the early 1900s. The primary installations where RPAs are based and flown are Beale AFB, CA; Holloman AFB, NM; Creech AFB, NV; and Grand Forks AFB, ND. There are additional Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard installations that are part of the distributed ground stations that support RPA flights and data analysis. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nadine Barclay)

Related Imagery
Tech. Sgt. Christopher, 867th Attack Squadron MQ-9 Reaper sensor operator, shares a laugh with spectators of the Wings Over Solano air show May 6, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. Interacting with spectators gave MQ-9 crews the opportunity to dispel myths, provide information and explain the reaper mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen)
Spectators gather around the MQ-9 Reaper model May 7, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., during the Wings Over Solano air show. During the show, pilots, sensor operators and intelligence Airmen showcased how they accomplish their mission day in and day out. *U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen)
Gabriel, nine, and Sofia, five, children of Mariano Hernandez, a Sacramento local and U.S. Navy veteran, play with U.S. Air Force Thunderbird toys during the Wings Over Solano air show May 7, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The event attracted more than 100,000 guests and featured performances by the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the Air Force Thunderbirds. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen)
Airmen assigned to the 432nd Maintenance Squadron lift the wings of the MQ-9 Reaper model May 5, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. 432nd MXG maintainers used jacks in order to secure and transport the wings during the build before the 2017 Wings over Solano air show. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class James Thompson)
Senior Airman Paulino holds an MQ-9 Reaper model wing steady while a team of seven airmen with the 432nd Maintenance Squadron insert it into the fuselage of the display. The maintenance crew was tasked with unloading, building and maintaining the model for the 2017 Wings over Solano air show. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class James Thompson)
432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintainers unpack the MQ-9 Reaper model May 5, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The aircraft was displayed at the Wings Over Solano air show for spectators to see an actual MQ-9 and learn about the Reaper's capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen
The MQ-9 Reaper model is displayed at the Wings Over Solano air show May 5, 2017 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. Spectators were able to see an actual Reaper and interact with sensor operators, pilots and intelligence Airmen and learn about how the MQ-9 helps warfighters make a difference every day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen)
Staff Sgt. Cadi, Senior Airman Chris and Master Sgt. Joe, members of the 432nd Maintenance Squadron, push the MQ-9 Reaper casket across the hangar May 5, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. In order to begin assembling the model, the team had to reposition the casket below a hoist and lift it from its casing. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman 1st Class James Thompson)
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly in formation above the 2017 Wings over Solano air show May 6, 2017 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The Thunderbirds concluded the air show with a high-speed maneuver demonstration. ( U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class James Thompson)
1st Lt. Aaron, pilot, and Tech. Sgt. Christopher, sensor operator both assigned to the 867th Attack Squadron hold a conversation during the 2017 Wings over Solano air show May 6, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The aircrew greeted and discussed facts to all attendees interested in the MQ-9 Reaper model during the show. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class James Thompson)
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform at the 2017 Wings over Solano air show May 7, 2017, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The Thunderbirds concluded each show and were one of many aerial demonstrations held at the event May 6-7. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class James Thompson)
On May 9, 2017, the 15th ATKS celebrated their 100-year anniversary and reflected on the unit’s extensive and honorable heritage, which coincidentally, includes their use of airpower in nearly every major conflict of the 20th Century. This heritage is carried on in today’s fight with remotely piloted aircraft MQ-1 Predators. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class James Thompson)