Predator A unmanned aircraft, manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), has turned 25. The aircraft completed its first flight in July 1994 and made its operational debut in 1995, .
More than 320 Predator A aircraft have been delivered to customers in support of global security throughout the world. The product line remained in production until 2011. Predator A RPAs have flown close to 141,000 missions and over two million total flight hours. More than 90 percent of those hours were flown supporting combat missions.
“With innovation in mind, we have always looked for ways to challenge the industry standard,” said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. “Our Predator-series has evolved over the past 25 years into MQ-9 and Gray Eagle (MQ-1C), which are the most combat-proven RPA in the world.”
GA-ASI won its first major program award for the Predator A in 1994 from the U.S. Joint Program Office, which was later transferred to the U.S. Air Force. In addition to the U.S., the Predator A was purchased by the Italian Ministry of Defense for the Italian Air Force, and later in a modernized version known as the Predator XP for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Predator A established GA-ASI’s legacy of delivering long-endurance, multi-mission RPA with integrated sensors and data link systems for persistent situational awareness and rapid strike capabilities. The Predator series continues to excel in combat environments and in performing civilian surveillance missions.
“We’re proud of our long and distinguished history of supporting the warfighter,” said David R. Alexander, president, GA-ASI. “From Predator A, to Predator B, Gray Eagle, Avenger, and their various mission configurations, our aircraft and payload systems continue to address changing mission requirements for U.S. and Allied militaries and civilian users.”
Over its 25 year history, the Predator series fleets have flown close to six million flight hours. Th company is now developing the newest version of the series, MQ-9B SkyGuardian, which complies with airworthiness certification and air traffic management requirements that will enable the RPA to operate in the National Airspace System (NAS).
Viasat and uAvionix have teamed up to enhance global communication services for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), with uAvionix joining Viasat’s…
Korean Air and WestJet have extended their codeshare agreement to provide additional transpacific travel options for passengers on Monday (Apr.…
China Eastern Airlines has reached an agreement with Amadeus concerning international NDC distribution, marking a significant development for both parties.…
Singaporean officials have launched an Invincible-class submarine for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) at thyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tKMS) shipyard…
Ten died following a midair collision between an AW139 helicopter and a Fennec helicopter belonging to the Royal Malaysian Navy…
Integrated Surveillance and Defense (ISD) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD),…
ST Engineering AirX (AirX), a joint venture between ST Engineering and Peluca (formerly known as Wigetworks), have announced a strategic…
WestJet Cargo is strengthening its flights between Calgary and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). The route will operate 5-7 times…
Embraer delivered 25 jets in 1Q24, an increase of 67% compared to the 15 aircraft delivered in 1Q23. Executive Aviation…
Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane airline, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to purchase 50 magni650 electric engines,…
Emirates President Sir Tim Clark has apologised to customers for the disruptions caused by the severe weather that battered Dubai…
The Indonesian Navy (TNI Angkatan Laut - TNI AL) aims to enhance its operational capabilities between 2025 and 2044 with…
The Philippine Armed Forces (PAF) took delivery of the first India-made BrahMos land-based anti-ship missile system at Clark Air Base…
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) ordered six Airbus H145 helicopters as part of its efforts to update its rotary…
The Brazilian aerospace company, Embraer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AICAT (Austrian Industrial Cooperation & Aviation Technology) to…
Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) announced that it has reclaimed the title of the "World’s Best Airport" at the prestigious…
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) joined the Sharp Technics K (STK) and Incheon International Airport Corporation for a ceremony heralding the…
Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions division has forged a strategic alliance and reseller agreement with Rancher Government Solutions (RGS), a provider of…
Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has experienced a significant surge in brand value, as indicated by the latest…
The ongoing eruption of Mount Ruang in the Siau Islands regency, North Sulawesi, Indonesia has caused significant disruptions to air…
Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines, recently received the first Embraer E190-E2 aircraft at Changi Airport. "We are excited…
The first of two Fincantieri-built PPA (Pattugliatore Polivalente d'Altura - offshore multi-purpose patrol vessel) for the Indonesian Navy is expected…
Thailand’s DTI (Defence Technology Institute) and the Royal Thai Army recently conducted a successful test of the DTI-STD-003 bridge layer…
Eve Air Mobility has signed a letter of intent with AirX, Japan’s largest public helicopter air charter service, for up…
L3Harris Technologies has received a US$256 million order from the U.S. Army for continued production of the Enhanced Night Vision…
The Missile Defense Agency has selected Lockheed Martin to deliver the nation's new homeland missile defense capability, the Next Generation…
Collins Aerospace will introduce two major upgrades to the Ascentia software platform. Ascentia is a software solution for aircraft reliability management that…
Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6A engine recently surpassed 25 million flight hours and 40 years of powering the Cessna Caravan…
The US Army deployed its Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system to Northern Luzon, Philippines for the first time. This deployment…
Milrem Robotics has secured a contract to deliver an undisclosed quantity of THeMIS UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles) to the Japanese…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2024 GBP all rights reserved.