Sunday, November 23, 2008

RQ-1 Predator

IOC: 1995
Total Production: 223

Altair

IOC: 2000

Also Known As
Predator B

Origin
United States of America

Contractor/s
General Atomics

Family Members
Mariner
MQ-1 Predator
MQ-1B Predator Block X
MQ-9A Reaper
RQ-1B Predator

Description: The Altair, a variant of the proven Predator B UAV, was designed to perform scientific and commercial research as well as military intelligence missions. The Altair UAV can fly at altitudes of up to 52,000-ft remaining airborne well over 30 hours. The General Atomics Altair was selected and developed jointly with NASA.

In August-September 2004, Canada deployed Altair unmanned aircraft integrated with a multi-mode maritime radar and electro-optical sensors in support of Atlantic Littoral Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Experiment (ALIX). Canada operated Altair beyond the line of sight relaying imagery through communications satellite network.

In September 2005 the United States Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) issued for the first time ever an experimental airworthiness certificate to an unmanned aerial vehicle. The certificate was set for the Altair long endurance unmanned aircraft system (UAS). In September 2006 Altair passed the recertification process for experimental airworthiness issued by the FAA.

Specifications
Accommodation: Unmanned

Dimensions: Wingspan 26.2 m

Weights: Max Weight 3,175 kg (7,000 lb), Payload 1,661 kg (3,662 lb)

Performance: Ceiling 15,850 m (52,001 ft), Endurance 30 hours, Top Speed 114 mps (410 kph)

Other: Number of Engines 1

News
General Atomics and LM Demonstrate BAMS Surveillance Capability

Operators

United States of America

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Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)

Last Updated: Saturday, November 22, 2008

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