GA-ASI Unveils Stealthy Predator UAV

By: Chris Pocock

May 19, 2009
Defense

The stealthy, jet-powered version of the Predator series UAV that was unveiled last month was developed “with significant company investment,” according to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI). Tom Cassidy, president of GA-ASI’s aircraft systems group, again sought to contrast the company’s lean and independent development model with that of the major aerospace companies. Also of note, GA-ASI is developing its own full-motion video (FMV) sensor that might be carried by the new Predator-C, although “a system based on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 FLIR” is also being evaluated. Current Predators use FMV sensors provided by L-3 Wescam or Raytheon.

The Predator-C (aka Avenger) is slightly larger than the turbo-powered Predator-B (aka Reaper). The inlet and the exhaust of the single Pratt & Whitney PW545B are shielded from IR and radar sensors according to classic stealth design principles, and these are also used to align the UAV’s wing and fuselage edges. Weapons such as the GBU-12 laser-guided bomb are carried in an internal payload bay, which can alternatively carry a wide-area surveillance system. But with its large V-tails, the Predator-C cannot be an all-aspect stealth vehicle. However, it is available for near-term deployment, and uses the same ground control stations as the previous Predators.

The Predator-C has been under development for some time, but flew for the first time only on April 4, according to GA-ASI. The top speed is more than 400 knots and the service ceiling is 60,000 feet.

Back

BAE Systems Tells UK Fraud Office: See You in Court, if Necessary October 26, 2009 After years of investigation, Britain’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said it would seek to prosecute BAE Systems “for offenses related to overseas... [more]
French Bid To Outmanuever Opposing Fighters in Brazil September 15, 2009 A top-level handshake in Brazil earlier this month does not necessarily mean the end of that country’s long quest to select a new fighter.... [more]
Airbus Claims Technical Progress with A400M September 15, 2009 Anxious to demonstrate progress toward a first flight, Airbus Military will hold another technical press briefing on the troubled A400M... [more]
New Chinooks for Canada, and Upgrades for UK September 15, 2009 Boeing took a long-expected order from Canada for 15 CH-47F Chinook helicopters worth $1.15 billion. These will be new-build helicopters, to... [more]
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Scott Carson Announces Retirement in Major Realignment August 31, 2009 Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Scott Carson announced today that he will retire from the company at the end of the year. Boeing... [more]