New testing center proposed for NAS Fallon

Friday, Aug. 18, 2000 | 11:54 a.m.

"The chances for the multiservice center, which would be headed by a Navy captain and staffed by Navy, Army, Marine and Air Force personnel and civilians, are pretty darned good," Lt. Commander Jeff Goldfinger told the Lahontan Valley News and Fallon Eagle Standard in a copyrighted story published Thursday.

"We think this program will fly."

Goldfinger, the center's program director, said the proposal is currently undergoing a feasibility study. A report will be forwarded to the Department of Defense, which will determine if the program is valid.

"We have been informed that our program at Fallon is being looked upon favorably," Goldfinger said. "That is why we believe its chances are looking real good."

Unmanned aerial vehicles are used for reconnaissance, targeting and intelligence gathering. The concept for the proposed center at Fallon involves integrating the use of these vehicles within all military branches.

The aerial vehicles range in size from small, model-sized airplanes to the Air Force's Predator and Global Hawk vehicles, which have wingspans of 45 feet and 110 feet, respectively, the newspaper said.

Ground control operators maneuver the aerial vehicles by remote control, but the vehicles are equipped with backup systems that enable them to fly on autopilot.

Goldfinger said if built next year, the center would employ up to 40 civilians and about 20 military personnel.