Old 01-02-2012, 12:18 PM
  #5  
LivingInMEM
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Joined APC: Dec 2007
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The name was changed from UAV to RPA to reflect a personnel requirement.

Those numbers are apples and oranges. To keep one Pred up for one 24hr period takes no more 20 people including operators, mx, comm, etc. RPA numbers that are often quoted are total squadron manning that is calculated on a per CAP basis, similar to a crew per aircraft ratio. Given the higher mx costs, etc, the personnel cost to get 24 hrs of F-16 coverage would be much higher than that of RPA.
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