General Atomics · Drones · 2007
General Atomics' medium-altitude, long-endurance 'hunter-killer' - the first UAV engineered from the start for persistent strike as well as reconnaissance, and a backbone of US and allied airpower. A big evolution of the Predator, its carbon-composite, high-aspect-ratio (~20:1) 20 m wing (79 ft / 24 m on the MQ-9B) is driven by a 900 shp Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop, giving ~480 km/h top speed and 27 hours of ISR endurance (34+ on Extended Range) up to 50,000 ft, with ~1,850 km range. Empty weight is ~2,223 kg against a ~4,760 kg max takeoff weight, carrying up to ~1,700 kg of payload (360 kg internal plus 1,400 kg external across seven hardpoints). It fields an MTS-B EO/IR turret, synthetic aperture radar and a laser rangefinder/designator, relaying data over satellite links to a ground control station with triple-redundant avionics, and can employ precision-guided munitions (Hellfire-class missiles plus laser- and GPS-guided bombs). First flown in 2001 and operational since 2007 (~200+ built), it serves the USAF, DHS, NASA and allies including the UK, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Japan, with SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian maritime variants.
Price on application
View full interactive profile, comparisons & videos → Check price on Amazon →| Category | Drones |
| Sub-type | MALE Armed ISR UAV (hunter-killer) |
| Status | Active |
| Year | 2007 |
| Origin | USA |
| Weight | 4763 kg |
| Payload | 1700 kg |
| Max range | 1,850 km km |
| Use cases | Persistent ISR, Precision strike, Close air support, Maritime patrol |
| Made in | USA |