© General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (Photo from Flight Global)Jet Powered Predator C Revealed -- Strategy Page
The new, jet powered "Predator C" took its first flight recently. Not to be confused with the MQ-1C Sky Warrior, the Predator C "Avenger" is a project that was started before Sky Warrior, and has taken much longer to get off the ground. The first flight was supposed to have been two years ago, but there were technical problems that kept coming up.
Shortly after the first flight was announced, the first picture was released. The Predator C is 41 feet long, and was apparently built to be stealthy. The next one built is expected to be 43 feet long. The V shaped tail and smooth lines of the swept wing aircraft will make it difficult to detect by radar. There is a humpbacked structure on top of the aircraft, for the engine air intake. There is apparently an internal bomb bay to hold about a ton of weapons, or additional fuel to provide another two hours of flying time, in addition to the standard 20 hours endurance.
Read more ....
More News On The Predator C (Avenger)
Predator C emerges to operate in 'higher threat environments' -- Janes
General Atomics shows to the World the first images of Predator C Avenger -- Avionews
Predator C Avenger makes first flight -- Military and Aerospace
Predator C - Avenger Softwar -- Strategy Page
New Predator C Hints At Stealth, Weaponry -- Aviation Week
PICTURES: General Atomics reveals Predator C 'Avenger' UAV -- Flight Global
Jet-Powered Predator UAV Unveiled by GA-Aeronautical Systems -- XConomy