Predator UAV

By
ABC News
January 7, 2006, 10:26 AM ET
1 min read

— -- Produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego, the Predator UAV drones are 27 feet long with a wingspan of approximately 49 feet. With a loiter time of up to 40 hours and a maximum ceiling of 25,000 feet, these aerial "eyes in the sky" can observe enemies in high-risk areas without endangering an aircrew.

Primary Function: Airborne surveillance reconnaissance and target acquisition

Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

Power Plant: RQ-1A Rotax 912 four cylinder engine producing 81 horsepower, RQ-1B 914 four cylinder turbo-charged engine producing 105 horsepower

Length: 27 feet (8.22 meters)

Height: 6.9 feet (2.1 meters)

Weight: 950 pounds (431 kilograms) empty, gross 2,250 pounds (1,020.6 kilograms)

Wingspan: 48.7 feet (14.8 meters)

Speed: Cruise speed around 84 mph (70 knots), up to 140 mph (120 knots)

Range: up to 400 nautical miles (454 miles) and then providing 16 hours of on station time before returning

Ceiling: up to 25,000 feet (7,620 meters)

Fuel Capacity: 665 pounds (100 gallons)

Payload: 450 pounds (204.1 kilograms)

System Cost: $25 million

Inventory: Active force, 5; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0

Data courtesy of www.defenselink.org.