Overview
The General Atomics Sea Avenger is a navalized version of the land-based Avenger offering and intended to complete for the US DoD UCLASS program.
The General Atomics Sea Avenger is a navalized version of the land-based Avenger offering and intended to complete for the US DoD UCLASS program.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the General Atomics Sea Avenger Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) Vehicle. Entry last updated on 5/22/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the General Atomics Sea Avenger Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) Vehicle. Entry last updated on 5/22/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The United States Navy's "Unmanned, Carrier-Launched, Airborne Surveillance and Strike" (UCLASS) program was launched to deliver a viable, carrier-based UAV combat system capable of working in concert with existing naval aircraft and systems. The UCLASS vehicle is expected to take on a myriad of roles once reserved for manned aircraft systems including intelligence gathering, aerial reconnaissance, targeting and light strike capabilities. The UCLASS program is expected to announce a contract sometime in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015.
To that end, General Atomics, recognized worldwide by its popular "Predator" series of unmanned aircraft, has begun development of a demonstrator in the mold of their emerging Avenger line ("Predator C") for the United States Air Force. This new variant has been called "Sea Avenger" and is expected to be dimensionally larger than its land-based predecessor, appropriately modified for the rigors of at-sea operation. The aircraft will make use of a jet engine buried within the contours of its fuselage and stealth characteristics will be applied where possible. Additionally, a sensor package will be retractable into the fuselage for stealth and communications will be handled via satellite - coordinated with existing USN systems and hardware. The enlarged nature of the Sea Avenger will also promote greater internal volume for larger munitions than seen in the Avenger product. Beyond its internal weapons bays, the drone will feature external hardpoints as well and one concept is of a "buddy" in-flight refueling aircraft to serve accompanying fighters.
A highly optimistic design at this stage, the Sea Avenger will compete against offerings from Lockheed and perhaps Northrop and Boeing in attempting to come in at/under cost and offer the required endurance and mission capabilities. The Northrop offering is expected to be formed from their existing X-47B carrier-based demonstrator. The Lockheed submission is known as the "Sea Ghost" with the Boeing model possibly emerging from their "Phantom Ray" endeavor.
To that end, General Atomics, recognized worldwide by its popular "Predator" series of unmanned aircraft, has begun development of a demonstrator in the mold of their emerging Avenger line ("Predator C") for the United States Air Force. This new variant has been called "Sea Avenger" and is expected to be dimensionally larger than its land-based predecessor, appropriately modified for the rigors of at-sea operation. The aircraft will make use of a jet engine buried within the contours of its fuselage and stealth characteristics will be applied where possible. Additionally, a sensor package will be retractable into the fuselage for stealth and communications will be handled via satellite - coordinated with existing USN systems and hardware. The enlarged nature of the Sea Avenger will also promote greater internal volume for larger munitions than seen in the Avenger product. Beyond its internal weapons bays, the drone will feature external hardpoints as well and one concept is of a "buddy" in-flight refueling aircraft to serve accompanying fighters.
A highly optimistic design at this stage, the Sea Avenger will compete against offerings from Lockheed and perhaps Northrop and Boeing in attempting to come in at/under cost and offer the required endurance and mission capabilities. The Northrop offering is expected to be formed from their existing X-47B carrier-based demonstrator. The Lockheed submission is known as the "Sea Ghost" with the Boeing model possibly emerging from their "Phantom Ray" endeavor.
Specifications
YEAR: 2020
STATUS: In-Development
MANUFACTURER(S): General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Incorporated - USA
PRODUCTION: 1
CREW: 1
LENGTH: 54.99 ft (16.76 m)
WIDTH: 75.00 ft (22.86 m)
MTOW: 29,983 lb (13,600 kg)
POWER: 1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B turbofan engine developing 6,400 lb of thrust (estimated).
SPEED: 463 mph (745 kph; 402 kts)
CEILING: 59,990 feet (18,285 m; 11.36 miles)
OPERATORS: United States
Armament
Internal weapons bay for air-to-surface guided/homing missiles or precision-guided drop bombs.
Internal weapons bay for air-to-surface guided/homing missiles or precision-guided drop bombs.
Variants / Models
• Sea Avenger - Base Series Designation
• Sea Avenger - Base Series Designation
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 500mph
Lo: 250mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (463mph).
Graph average of 375 miles-per-hour.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (1)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
1
1
Altitude Visualization
