The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator (often referred to as the Predator drone) is an American remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) built by General Atomics that was used primarily by the United States Air Force (USAF) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Sep 2, 2022 · The MQ-1, formerly designated as RQ-1 Predator, is a long-endurance, medium-altitude, turboprop-powered, multi-mission, unmanned aircraft system (UAS). It was manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), an aeronautics company based in the US.

An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle and F-16 Fighting Falcon return from an Operation Iraqi Freedom combat mission. Both aircraft provide intelligence, search and reconnaissance gathering features, as well as munitions capability to support ground troops and base defense.

The RQ-1 Predator UAV is a long-endurance, medium-altitude unmanned aircraft system for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Surveillance imagery from synthetic aperture radar, video cameras and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) can be distributed in real-time both to the front line soldier and to the operational commander, or worldwide in ...

The MQ-1 Predator carries the Multi-spectral Targeting System with inherent AGM-114 Hellfire missile targeting capability and integrates electro-optical, infrared, laser designator and laser illuminator into a single sensor package.

Feb 23, 2024 · The RQ-1 proved adaptable to carrying an AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface antitank missile under each wing. Accepted in 2002 and promptly deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, the armed Predator was designated the MQ-1 (multirole drone).

Powered by a four-cylinder, 81-hp Rotax 912 engine, the RQ-1K aircraft could cruise at 87 miles per hour for 16 hours. The production version Predator aircraft was designated the RQ 1L, and it was equipped with a turbo-charged Rotax 914 engine producing 105 horsepower. The UAV on display is an RQ-1K.

The MQ-1B Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aircraft system. The Predator's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR.

Sep 20, 2023 · MQ-1 Predator: The original Predator drone was developed for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. It was equipped with cameras and sensors and could be armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for precision strikes.

Jun 1, 2005 · The Predator Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) designated RQ-1, was launched in January 1994 as an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). The armed version that followed the RQ-1 was designated MQ-1. The design was based on a modified Gnat 750 UAV built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. (The …