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13 février 2015 5 13 /02 /février /2015 08:20
Predator XP drone embarks on 40+ hour long-endurance flight

 

Feb 12, 2015 by defense-update.com
 

During the flight, the Predator XP RPA validated its long-endurance capability by flying at 10,000 feet for greater than 40 hours. Predator XP is currently in production, with the first production aircraft to be delivered in 2016. The UAE, considered to be one of the lead customers for this model is planning to buy 10 such aircraft.

 

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), has recently completed the longest mission of a Predator Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The flight performed by a company built launched on February 6 and landed on February 8, 2015 during a 40-plus hour flight conducted at GA-ASI’s Castle Dome Flight Operations Facility located at Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz.

“This flight truly demonstrated the long- endurance capability of our latest RPA

During the flight, the Predator XP RPA validated its long-endurance capability by flying at 10,000 feet for greater than 40 hours. The RPA that flew the mission is a production representation aircraft designed and built on Internal Research and Development (IRAD) funds. Predator XP is currently in production, with the first production aircraft to be delivered in 2016. The UAE, considered to be one of the lead customers for this model is planning to buy 10 such aircraft.

“This flight was a landmark event for Predator XP in that it truly demonstrated the long- endurance capability of our latest RPA,” said Frank W. Pace, president, Aircraft Systems, GA-ASI. “In addition, it was a new company record for our aircraft.” Predator XP, an advanced derivative of the mission-proven MQ-1 Predator RPA that has accumulated over two million flight hours since 1994.

Predator XP is an updated version of the company’s flagship Predator RPA that has been licensed by the U.S. Government for sale to a broader customer base to include countries in the Middle East, North Africa, South America, and Asia. In October 2014  the U.S. Government has granted GA-ASI a ‘DSP-5′ export license allowing the company to offer Predator XP to the Government of India. The company is also discussing the potential sale with local industry.

Beyond its long endurance, the aircraft’s distinctive features include wingtip winglets and enhanced payload assembly under the nose. Advanced capabilities include a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) data link; Automatic Takeoff and Landing System (ATLS); a full-motion video camera (optical and infrared); GA-ASI’s Lynx   Multi-mode Radar with ground imaging (Synthetic Aperture Radar/ SAR), maritime surface search, and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) modes; an Automatic Identification System (AIS) for maritime patrol; and triple-redundant avionics. Following the export restrictions imposed by the US government, unlike the Predator models used by the CIA and Air Force, or Gray Eagle used by the U.S. Army, Predator XP is not designed to carry weapons.

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10 juillet 2014 4 10 /07 /juillet /2014 07:20
Export-licensed Predator makes maiden flight

 

09.07.2014 By: Beth Stevenson - FG

 

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has successfully conducted the first flight of its export-ready Predator XP surveillance unmanned air vehicle.

 

The new aircraft flew a “flawless” 35min sortie on 27 June, an industry source says. It is understood that the company will proceed directly to full production, in anticipation of new international customer orders.

 

The system is derived from the MQ-1 Predator A system that is in service with the USA, Italy, Morocco and Turkey.

 

The second generation of the Predator, the MQ-9 Predator B/Reaper, is renowned for carrying out armed operations in theatres such as Afghanistan by a number of NATO operators of the UAV.

 

The XP is designed to be free from the restrictions covered by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations structure. This means that it will be exported in a "clean" unarmed configuration, broadening the potential customer base for the aircraft to countries in Latin America and the Middle East.

 

It was confirmed in February 2013 that the United Arab Emirates would be the first customer for the Predator XP, under a $197 million Foreign Military Sales deal conducted through the International Golden Group on behalf of the UAE armed forces.

 

The company declined to provide an update on the status of the UAE purchase at the time of the first flight. “We are in discussions with a number of countries, but are not at liberty to report any specific news on those pursuits at this time,” it adds. Kazakhstan has been reported as having shown interest in the platform.

 

Featuring modifications including winglets, the XP-variant UAV offers a flight endurance of up to 35h, and can reach a maximum altitude of 25,000ft, according to General Atomics.

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