Produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego, the Predator UAV drones are 27 feet long with a wingspan of approximately 49 feet. With a loiter time of up to 40 hours and a maximum ceiling of 25,000 feet, these aerial "eyes in the sky" can observe enemies in high-risk areas without endangering an aircrew.
Predator - Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft (UAV)
Primary function: Airborne surveillance reconnaissance and target acquisition.
Real-time surveillance capabilities and transmits images without landing
Speed: Cruise speed around 84 mph to 140 mph
Range: 400 nautical mile
Ceiling: Operates up to 26,000 ft. and can stay aloft for 24 hours
Power Plant: RQ-1A Rotax 912 four cylinder engine producing 81 horsepower, RQ-1B 914 four cylinder turbo-charged engine producing 105 horsepower
Length: 27 feet (8.22 meters)
Height: 6.9 feet (2.1 meters)
Wingspan: 48.7 feet (14.8 meters)
Weight: 950 pounds (431 kilograms) empty, gross 2,250 pounds (1,020.6 kilograms)
Fuel Capacity: 665 pounds (100 gallons)
Payload: 450 pounds (204.1 kilograms)
Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
System Cost: $25 million
Inventory: Active force, 5; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0
