What does RQ-1 stand for?
The Predator system was initially designated the RQ-1 Predator. The “R” is the United States Department of Defense designation for reconnaissance and the “Q” refers to an unmanned aircraft system. The “1” describes it as being the first of a series of aircraft systems built for unmanned reconnaissance.
How much does a Predator drone missile cost?
The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has found success as an unarmed reconnaissance platform and as a missile-armed hunter. At a cost of about $40 million dollars per system, the RQ-1/MQ-1 Predator is a pricey yet integral part of US Air Force operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Who makes Predator drone?
General Atomics
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
General Atomics MQ-1 Predator/Manufacturers
Who made the MQ 1 Predator?
Can you see a Predator drone from the ground?
At a typical operating altitude of 15,000 feet above the terrain, the Predator was silent and invisible to those on the ground (though not stealthy to radar). The U.S. Air Force’s unmanned Predator aerial vehicle visited the Steven F.
How much does a GREY Eagle cost?
General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle
| MQ-1C Gray Eagle | |
|---|---|
| Produced | c. 2004 – present |
| Number built | 75 as of Oct. 2013 152 planned + 31 ground systems |
| Program cost | US$4,745.3 million (as of FY2013) |
| Unit cost | US$21.5M (FY2013) US$31.2M (inc. R&D) |
How much does a drone missile cost?
It has multi-mission, multi-target precision-strike ability, and can be launched from multiple air, sea, and ground platforms, including the Predator drone….
| AGM-114 Hellfire | |
|---|---|
| Unit cost | US$150,000 (FY 2021) US$117,000 (FY2017) |
| Produced | 1974–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 100–108 lb (45–49 kg) |
Are hunter killers real?
Hunter-Killer is an unofficial project name based upon an Aviation Week & Space Technology article. The U.S. Air Force’s Hunter-Killer program was a tactical unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV) procurement program.
Which is the armed version of the RQ-1 Predator?
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 Gnat does not have the Ku Band satellite link).
How tall does a General Atomics RQ-1 Predator get?
It can reach an altitude of about 7920 m (26000 ft), where it can cruise for at least 20 (and possibly up to 24) hours at 110-130 km/h (60-70 knots). On later RQ-1Ls, the Wescam 14TS is replaced by a Raytheon AN/AAS-52(V) MTS (Multi-Spectral Targeting System) EO/IR sensor turret which also houses a laser designator.
When did General Atomics get the predator contract?
In January 1994, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) was awarded an ACTD (Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration) contract by DARPA for the Predator, which was to fulfill a requirement known as “Tier II” MAE (Medium Altitude Endurance) UAV.
What kind of aircraft is the General Atomics Predator?
The General Atomics MQ-1 Predator 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).