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| MQ-1 Predator |
Militarymedia.net - The MQ-1 Predator is a drone that changes the world. This is a reinforced Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicle (UACV) battle that has proved its mettle in battle. An upscale aircraft controlled by the ground crew was able to drop bombs, conduct aerial surveys and reconnaissance as well as other supporting roles.
An idea of the CIA and Pentagon since the late 1980s, they tried different combinations like the GNAT 750 while eventually awarding predator contracts to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to build and manufacture Demonstrator Technology. It was first used in combat in 2001 in Afghanistan.
Predator has operated with the United States Air Force (USAF) since 1995 and has played an important role during military conflicts in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Somalia, the Philippines, Libya while supporting NATO and the United Nations in its operations. 500,000 flying hours over a decade. In total, 360 Predators are currently operating with the USAF. The other operators are Italy (4), Turkey (9), United Arab Emirates (4) and Morocco (4).
Predators are used to stalk and obliterate Al-Qaeda and its affiliated terror outfits in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The drone is powered by a Rotax 914 four-cylinder engine that develops 101 horsepower. The engine rotates the two-bladed propeller, mounted on the back. The UAV has a top speed of up to 217 km/h and can reach an altitude of 7,620 m.
Predators are lightweight and can carry a payload of up to 204 kg. The UAV has a large fuel tank capable of storing 378 liters (100 gallons) of fuel which means it can survive in full-load air for 24 hours for air monitoring and support. Maximum unloading durability up to 40 hours.
Some of the missiles are compatible with this UAV, including the AGM-114 Hellfire, and the AGM-176 Griffin air-to-ground missile. There are plans to equip this UAV with AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles for self-defense. The missile was carried at 2 hard points under the wing. Predators use computers and on-board lasers to guide missiles to targets.
Apart from this arsenal, Predator keeps many advanced sensors and avionics under its skin. It contains synthetic aperture radar antennas, inertial navigation systems, Ku-band communication antennas, GPS, friend or enemy identification transponders (this tells which machines are friendly and which are hostile), and a video recorder on his nose camera.
This UAV brings new dynamics into war and conflict. Currently hostile areas can be monitored for activities without endangering the lives of valuable soldiers. Later the MQ-1 Predator was developed into the MQ-1C Grey Eagle and MQ-9 Reaper.
The price of the Predator MQ-1 drone is $4 Million.
