Air Force to increase use of flying drones

Air Force to increase use of flying drones - 17 Jun 2008 at 9:38pm - The Air Force plans to double patrols by armed drones in Iraq and Afghanistan because the unmanned planes can make the difference between U.S. troops "living or dying," the nation's top military officer said Tuesday. Demand for reconnaissance patrols and attacks from drones is insatiable, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told airmen during a meeting here. There are more than 27 combat air patrols that provide 24-hour coverage, he said, and the military will need 50 patrols.