MQ-1 Predator

The MQ‑1 Predator is a medium‑altitude, long‑endurance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by General Atomics for the United States Air Force in the mid‑1990s. First flown in 1994 and entered operational service in 1995, the Predator quickly proved its worth in reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions over Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Powered by a Rotax 914 turboprop engine delivering 115 hp, it can cruise at 90 kt and remain aloft for up to 24 hours, carrying a payload of roughly 450 lb that includes electro‑optical/infrared sensors, synthetic‑aperture radar and, after the 2000 integration of the AGM‑114 Hellfire missile, precision strike capability. Its distinctive high‑wing, pusher‑propeller layout and satellite‑link data link allow operators to control the aircraft from distant ground stations while receiving real‑time video. The Predator’s success spurred a new era of remotely piloted aircraft, shaping modern warfare by providing persistent situational awareness and low‑cost, low‑risk engagement. It paved the way for successors such as the MQ‑9 Reaper and cemented General Atomics’ leadership in the UAV market, influencing civilian and commercial drone development worldwide. Its legacy endures in training doctrines and export programs that keep the Predator relevant decades after its debut.

General Atomics

Classification

Design & Classification