Predator

The Predator, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is a medium‑altitude, long‑endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that entered service in the mid‑1990s. Originating from the 1994 RQ‑1 prototype, the system was quickly adopted by the United States Air Force and Army for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. Its twin‑propeller design, powered by a Rotax 914 turbo‑charged engine, gives a cruising speed of about 135 km/h and an endurance exceeding 24 hours, allowing persistent coverage of large battlefields. The aircraft carries a suite of sensors including electro‑optical/infrared cameras, synthetic‑aperture radar, and communications intelligence packages, and later variants such as the MQ‑1C Gray Eagle added payload capacity for precision‑guided munitions. The Predator’s low radar cross‑section, satellite‑link control, and autonomous waypoint navigation set new standards for remotely piloted systems. Its operational debut in the Balkans and later extensive use in Afghanistan and Iraq demonstrated the strategic advantage of persistent, man‑free surveillance, reshaping modern warfare doctrine. By proving the effectiveness of UAVs in combat and intelligence roles, the Predator paved the way for the next generation of armed drones and cemented General Atomics’ reputation as a leader in unmanned aviation.

General Atomics

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