Specifications
Year: 2017
Status: Active, Limited Service
Manufacturer(s): General Atomics - USA
Production: 0
Capabilities: Reconnaissance (RECCE); Unmanned;
Status: Active, Limited Service
Manufacturer(s): General Atomics - USA
Production: 0
Capabilities: Reconnaissance (RECCE); Unmanned;
Crew:
Length: 26.25 ft (8 m)
Width: 55.77 ft (17 m)
Weight (MTOW): 2,557 lb (1,160 kg)
Length: 26.25 ft (8 m)
Width: 55.77 ft (17 m)
Weight (MTOW): 2,557 lb (1,160 kg)
Power: 1 x Rotax 914 (modified) turbo engine driving a three-bladed propeller unit in pusher configuration.
Speed: 140 mph (225 kph; 121 kts)
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 m; 4.73 miles)
Range: 2,485 miles (4,000 km; 2,160 nm)
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 m; 4.73 miles)
Range: 2,485 miles (4,000 km; 2,160 nm)
Operators: United States
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.
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.
Armament
None. Mission equipment consists of systems related to Intelligence-Surveillance-Reconnaissance (ISR) gathering.
Variants / Models
• Predator XP - Base Series Name
