UAV Profile: General Atomics MQ-1 Predator
The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-1 Predator is a low wing monoplane with anhedral tail stabilisers and single pusher propeller and was developed in cooperation with the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency from 1994 based on the earlier Gnat 750 design.
The type has been used in all major international conflicts since 1995 with systems operated by the US Air Force, US Navy and US intelligence community.
History
It's weapons capability was developed in response to lessons from operations in Bosnia and Kosovo during 2000-2001 and used operationally from 2002.
A total of 90 of the type were in the US military inventory as at May 2007 with production continuing.
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General Atomics MQ-1 Predator |
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| Wingspan | 48.7 ft | 14.4 m |
| Length | 26.9 ft | 8.2 m |
| MTOW | 2,300 lb | 1,043 kg |
| Payload Weight | 452 lb | 205 kg |
| Cruise Speed | 70 kts | 130 kmh |
| Endurance | 24 Hours |
