General Atomics Predator XP
United States (2017)
Detailing the development and operational history of the General Atomics Predator XP Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
Entry last updated on 1/2/2018; Authored by Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com General Atomics Predator XP
The General Atomics Predator XP is an updated version of the proven MQ-1 Predator line of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
The General Atomics MQ-1 "Predator" Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) became one of the most important aviation products of the 2000s. Introduced in July of 1995, the series went on to see considerable combat service in the skies over Afghanistan and Iraq during the two major wars there and continues to fly today (2018) with some 360 produced to date. The line was eventually matured into a dedicated attack form in the MQ-9 "Reaper" and has been completely modernized for the rigors of the new battlefield in the "Predator XP".
The Predator XP brings with it a mission endurance window of 35 hours and can reach operating altitudes of 25,000 feet and speeds of 120 knots on a conventional propeller engine. The overall form and function of the Predator line remains as the aircraft continues to showcase the bulbous forward fuselage, housing critical internal systems, straight wing mainplanes (set at midships) and the downward-turned, outward-cranked tail planes. The propeller unit remains at the rear of the design, powered by a conventional engine fit, and is arranged in a pusher configuration. The undercarriage has a three-leg stance and is wheeled for ground-running. Winglets are noted at the tips of each mainplane.
The Predator XP brings with it a mission endurance window of 35 hours and can reach operating altitudes of 25,000 feet and speeds of 120 knots on a conventional propeller engine. The overall form and function of the Predator line remains as the aircraft continues to showcase the bulbous forward fuselage, housing critical internal systems, straight wing mainplanes (set at midships) and the downward-turned, outward-cranked tail planes. The propeller unit remains at the rear of the design, powered by a conventional engine fit, and is arranged in a pusher configuration. The undercarriage has a three-leg stance and is wheeled for ground-running. Winglets are noted at the tips of each mainplane.
Picture of the General Atomics Predator XP Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Predator XP has an autonomous functionality allowing it to complete take-off and landing actions without operator input (this system was proven through the Gray Eagle development - detailed elsewhere on this site). By way of its data-link installation, the system can operate through both line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight as needed - providing considerable tactical advantages in the latter. The payload supports the usual sensors, High-Definition (HD) cameras and systems related to Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) (including maritime) sorties and carries an EO/IR camera for real time delivery of video. Furthermore, the aircraft is equipped to operate in both day and night environments and all-weather types, able to search, track and report on target positions - even those targets on the move. The air vehicle also has a "Lynx" multi-mode radar fit. A triple-redundant flight control system ensures product reliability.
As it stands, the Predator XP is a relatively new release by General Atomics and is actively marketed by the company as a multi-mission performer.
As it stands, the Predator XP is a relatively new release by General Atomics and is actively marketed by the company as a multi-mission performer.
General Atomics Predator XP Specifications
United States
Year: 2017
Status: Active, Limited Service
Type: Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Manufacturer(s): General Atomics - USA
Production: 0
Supported Mission Types
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Crew:
Width: 55.77 ft (17.00 m)
MTOW: 2,557 lb (1,160 kg)
Installed Power
1 x Rotax 914 (modified) turbo engine driving a three-bladed propeller unit in pusher configuration.
Standard Day Performance
Maximum Speed: 140 mph (225 kph; 121 kts)
Maximum Range: 2,485 mi (4,000 km; 2,160 nm)
Service Ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,620 m; 4.73 mi)
Armament
None. Mission equipment consists of systems related to Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) gathering.
Operators List
United States
Series Model Variants
• Predator XP - Base Series Name
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