General Atomics Predator XP

History

The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) became one of the most important aviation products of the 2000s. Launched in July 1995, the series performed significant combat service over the air during two major wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and continues to fly to this day (2018) with approximately 360 examples produced.

The series eventually matured into a dedicated attack form in the MQ-9 Reaper and fully modernized in the Predator XP for the rigors of the new battlefield.

The Predator XP has a mission endurance window of 35 hours and is capable of operating at an altitude of 25,000 feet and a speed of 120 knots using conventional propeller engines. The overall form and function of the Predator series remains unchanged, as the aircraft continues to feature a bulbous forward fuselage shell key internal systems, a straight-wing main aircraft (located amidships) and a down-swept, outward-swept tail. The propeller unit remained at the rear of the design, powered by conventional engines and arranged in a thruster configuration.

The base has a three-legged stand that can be moved to walk on the floor. Winglets are marked on the tip of every major aircraft.

The Predator XP is autonomous, allowing it to perform takeoff and landing maneuvers without operator input (the system has been proven by Gray Eagle development - detailed elsewhere on this site). Its data link installation allows the system to operate both out of sight and out of sight as needed, providing a significant tactical advantage in the latter case.

The payload supports common sensors, high-definition (HD) cameras and systems associated with intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance (ISR) (including maritime) missions, and carries EO/IR cameras for real-time video transmission. Additionally, the aircraft is equipped to operate in day and night environments and in all weather conditions, and can search, track and report target locations even moving ones. The aircraft is also equipped with a "Lynx" multimode radar.

Triple redundant flight control system ensures product reliability.

From the looks of it, the Predator XP is a relatively new version of General Atomics, and the company is aggressively marketing it as a multitasker.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Performance

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Changes