http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Special/UAVs/

maybe can provide some insight into how RSAF conducts UAV operations

didn't know 4man team needed to fly such a simple looking thing

Actually the number of people required to operate these UAVs is higher than that.

Pre-flight and post flight checks, turn around, in-flight(least people required) and most labour intensive phases are the take-off and landing.

During take-off, you need technicians to start the engine, escort the UAV to the end of runway, hold the UAV while it goes full RPM (GET GASOLINE IN YOUR FACE! PRAY THE PROP STAYS IN ONE PIECE...... AND YOUR BACK HOLD TOGETHER! OH THE BLOODY LOUD NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST.) then let it go.

In landing you need to have technicians to oversee the arresting wire.

With the SCOUT it was harder work as they can only stay up for 2-3 hours. With thermal imager it's shorter as the cooling bottle don't last that long. Then you have to switch payloads......

Searcher can stay up longer now. So maybe one can catch a nap.

For twenty years, the number of people required in RSAF UAV operations remained the same! BTW when it rains..........SCOUT cannot fly! Part of mission is for crew to look out for rain clouds!

The take-off and landing modes did not change too!

It's a wonder. Why?