Predator C Avenger

Description: The Predator C Avenger is a Pratt & Whitney PW545B jet-powered version of the successful Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is more survivable in higher threat environments and provides military customers with an expanded quick-response armed reconnaissance capability. A pure reconnaissance version will be capable of carrying a wide-area surveillance system internally for special mission applications. The Avenger multi-mission aircraft has been funded and developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The first flight was completed successfully from Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility in Palmdale, California, on April 4, 2009.

Predator C Avenger features higher operational and transit speeds than current Predator-series aircraft, resulting in fast response and rapid repositioning for improved mission flexibility and survivability. Besides, the new unmanned aerial system (UAS) provides wide-area surveillance, armed reconnaissance, border surveillance, time-sensitive strike, and quick response capability for use against conventional and asymmetric threats such as terrorists and pirates. Its sensor package will include Lynx Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and various Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera systems.