| Avenger (Predator C) | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Predator-C Avenger | |
| Role | Remote controlled UCAV |
| Manufacturer | General Atomics Aeronautical Systems |
| First flight | 4 April 2009 |
| Developed from | MQ-9 Reaper |
The General Atomics Avenger (was Predator C) is a developmental unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the United States military. Unlike the previous MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper (Predator B) drones, the Avenger is powered by a jet engine, and its design includes stealth features such as internal weapons storage, and an "S" shaped exhaust for reduced heat and radar signature.[1] Its first flight occurred on 4 April 2009.[2] [3]
The Avenger will support the same weapons as the MQ-9, and carry the Lynx Synthetic aperture radar SAR and a version of the F-35 Lightning II's electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), called the Advanced Low-observable Embedded Reconnaissance Targeting (ALERT) system.[4][5]
The Avenger will use the same ground support infrastructure as the MQ-1 and MQ-9, including the ground control station and existing communications networks.[6]
Contents |
Specifications
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This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them. |
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated
- Crew:none
- Landing Type: runway
- Launch Type: runway
- Power Plant: PW545B, 4,800 lbs (21,3 kN) thrust
- Fuel Capacity:
- Length: 41 ft (12.50 m)
- Wingspan: 66 ft (20.12 m), swept 17°
- Height:
- Empty weight:
- Max takeoff weight:
PERFORMANCE
- Service ceiling:
- Operational altitude: 60,000 ft (18,288 m)
- Endurance: 20 hrs (extra 2 hours by installing extra fuel tank in the bomb bay)
- Range:
- Payload: 3,000 lbs (1,360.78 kg) -internal weapons bay for reduced radar signature
- Maximum speed: 400+ knots (740+ km/h)
- Cruise speed:
SENSORS
- Lynx Synthetic Aperture Radar
- AESA Wide-area surveillance sensor
ARMAMENT
- AGM-114 Hellfire
- GBU-24 Paveway III
- GBU-31 JDAM
- GBU-38 Small Diameter Bomb
See also
Related development
Related lists
References
- ^ New Predator C Hints At Stealth, Weaponry
- ^ Fulghum, David A.; Sweetman, Bill (April 17, 2009). "Predator C Avenger Makes First Flights". Aviation Week. http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/AVENGER041709.xml&headline=Predator%20C%20Avenger%20Makes%20First%20Flights. Retrieved April 18, 2009.
- ^ "Avenger UAV Revealed", Air Force Magazine, June 2009, Volume 92, Number 6, page 14.
- ^ Stealthy F-35 Sensor To Fly On Avenger UAV
- ^ "GA-ASI Successfully Executes First Flight of Predator C Avenger". April 20, 2009. http://www.ga-asi.com/news_events/index.php?read=1&id=186. Retrieved April 22, 2009.
- ^ [1]|coauthors=Sweetman, Bill|date=April 17, 2009|work=Aviation Week|accessdate=October 21, 2009}}
External links
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