GA-ASI P46 MQ-20 Avenger (Predator C)

[AeroFranz]

Doesn't it have to be bought by the government to get such designation? AFAIK it was built on IR&D money. ???

 

[Steve Pace]

Most likely, yes. But it sure looks like it's going to be a winner.

 

[quellish]

Doesn't it have to be bought by the government to get such designation? AFAIK it was built on IR&D money. ???

Yup. But it's already been flown over DYCOMS. From what I understand it was flying regularly for a while, now either not so much or not so visible.

 

[Steve Pace]

A little more.

 

[Just call me Ray]

Most likely, yes. But it sure looks like it's going to be a winner.

I'm rooting for Boeing

 

[JFC Fuller]

Most likely, yes. But it sure looks like it's going to be a winner.

Only because the most of the other players have yet to show their hands.

 

[flateric]

http://www.ga-asi.com/news_events/index.php?read=1&id=285

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 03, 2010
GA-ASI Introduces Sea Avenger UAS for UCLASS Carrier Operations

Carrier-based Predator C Derivative Offers Navy Low-risk Strike & Surveillance Solution

NAVY LEAGUE SEA AIR SPACE, WASHINGTON – 3 May 2010 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), tactical reconnaissance radars, and surveillance systems, today introduced Sea AvengerTM, a carrier-based derivative of its Predator® C Avenger® UAS, to fulfill the U.S. Navy’s need for an unmanned carrier-launched airborne surveillance and strike (UCLASS) system. The company formally proposed Sea Avenger to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) via a Request for Information (RFI) submitted on 30 April.

“Sea Avenger fulfills the Navy’s need for a carrier-based unmanned aircraft system that offers long-endurance, proven ISR [Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance] and precision-strike capabilities,” said Frank Pace, president, Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Like Predator C Avenger, Sea Avenger presents a low-risk, high technology ready procurement option as it leverages more than 18 years of Predator-series UAS development, manufacturing, and system support, along with one million flight hours of operational experience. In addition, many Predator-series elements, components, and subsystems already provide mature, proven, and affordable mission capabilities desired by the Navy for a UCLASS system.

Anticipating a future requirement for a carrier-based UAS, GA-ASI designed specific features into its Predator C Avenger to facilitate subsequent development of an aircraft uniquely suitable for carrier operations that would also integrate seamlessly into the carrier air wing. These include a highly fuel-efficient engine and inlet design, retractable electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, internal weapons bay, and folding wings. The aircraft’s structure was also designed with the flexibility to accommodate carrier suitable landing gear, tail hook, drag devices, and other provisions for carrier operations.

“Sea Avenger is an affordable and transformational technology that will provide commanders with enhanced situational awareness and time-sensitive strike,” noted J. Neal Blue, chairman and CEO, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

Sea Avenger is based upon its predecessor, Predator C Avenger. Predator C is designed to perform high-speed, multi-mission persistent ISR and precision, time-sensitive strike missions over land or sea. The current configuration features a 44-foot long fuselage and 66-foot wingspan, is capable of flying at 400 KTAS for 20 hours, and can operate up to 50,000 feet. Avenger incorporates a pure jet power plant and carries a Lynx® Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), various EO/IR camera systems, and up to 3,000 pounds of internal ordnance, as well as other sensors. The aircraft is based on an open, modular architecture that provides “plug and play” system configuration, configuration management, and significant flexibility for rapid, controlled change, adaptation, and growth. Developed on company funds for near-term military use, Predator C Avenger is successfully continuing through its planned test program, with a second aircraft currently under development and expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The U.S. Navy has experience operating both Predator and Predator B aircraft manufactured by GA-ASI.

High-resolution images of Sea Avenger and photos of Predator C Avenger are available from the GA-ASI media contact listed below.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, delivers situational awareness by providing unmanned aircraft, radar, and electro-optic solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable unmanned aircraft systems, including Predator A, Predator B, Sky Warrior®, and the new Predator C Avenger. It also manufactures a variety of solid-state digital ground control stations (GCSs), including the next-generation Advanced Cockpit GCS, and provides pilot training and support services for UAS field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx SAR/GMTI radar and sophisticated CLAW® sensor control and image analysis software into both manned and unmanned aircraft. It also integrates other sensor and communication equipment into manned ISR aircraft and develops emerging technologies in solid-state lasers, electro-optic sensors, and ultra-wideband data links for government applications. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.

Sea Avenger is a trademark and Predator, Avenger, Lynx, Sky Warrior, and CLAW are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

For more information contact:

Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.312.2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com

image (c) GA‑ASI via CammNut

 

[JFC Fuller]

Seems somewhat premature given that the platform that is intended to demonstrate carrier-borne UCAV/UAV capabilities has yet to even fly much less take off or land on a carrier. All the article seems to say is that you could theoretically build a Predator-C that could fly from a carrier.

Given that the USN is only now grappling with the complexities of operating UAV's in a carrier environment this strikes me as a non-announcement intended to maintain some of the 'buzz' around the Avenger that has been lost by various players revealing their UAV works (LM Beast of Kandahar [RQ-170] / Boeing Phantom Ray) and the decision to reconsider the priorities of the MQ-X programme.

For the sake of General Atomics I hope they are just using the Avenger as design and technology demonstration exercise and have something more impressive in the works, otherwise they could find themselves missing out on the big cash.

 

[sferrin]

The C (with it's tailhook) is already flying. There's no reason they couldn't practing carrier operations from land while the X-47B does so at sea, just to get ahead of the game.

 

[JFC Fuller]

The C (with it's tailhook) is already flying. There's no reason they couldn't practing carrier operations from land while the X-47B does so at sea, just to get ahead of the game.

Being structurally able to land on a carrier is one thing, having all the software developed to not only perform take-off's and landings but also operate in the wider carrier environment, is quite another. There is no way that General Atomics has done even a fraction of the work that NG has done with the USN for carrier base UAV operations.

 

[aero-engineer]

Hi All -

More info at:

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/04/airforce_predator_new_042709/

Enjoy the Day! Mark

Does someone have hi-res shots of the back end?

Need to adjust the levels, but the exhaust is interesting.

 

[Triton]

Artist's impression of General Atomics Predator C Avenger by Kollector Pty. Ltd.

Source:
http://www.kollected.com/#436808/Predator-C-Avenger

 

[Matej]

This is that (wrong) PopSci cover drawing, discussed earlier. But it is worth to visit the link - some known drawings are there.

 

[torqueRxF]

Does anyone have a full set of drawings with all views?
They would be most appreciated...

 

[AeroFranz]

This top view looks squished on the y-axis...

 

[torqueRxF]

Seems to be a posting issue: I have yet to understand how to properly post. Click on the image to open a dimensionally accurate top-view.

 

[AeroFranz]

Ahhh...much better

 

[Steve Pace]

...and the X-47B still hasn't flown?

 

[Ian33]

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/topicalreports.do?topicName=Unmanned


Go down the page to the video player and there is footage of the Avenger C in flight. Not seen it beofre (photos yes, motion video no) so thought it might interest some people.

Looks very stable in the air on approach though.

 

[Ian33]

Any news or pictures of the Avnegr in flight testing at all?

after it got a customer I had hoped for more pics

 

[flateric]

Excellent set of 21 Avenger photos from Tyson V. Rininger
hi-res versions can be purchased at www.tvrphotography.com

all photos (c) Tyson V. Rininger

several examples attached

 

[Ian33]

WOW!!

Flat Eric thats amazing! now I dread to think how expensive the full size ones will be, but I just got to have that bottom one hi-res for my PC wallpaper. Thank you for the link.

 

[donnage99]

Not just an amazing set of pictures but an amazing article that describes details about the flight and the experience of the photographer being invited into the classified world. Some nice history of the airfield also.
http://tvrphoto.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/air-to-air-photography-with-the-new-avenger-uav/

 

[donnage99]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh5Y0Xjp4QI

 

[flateric]

Excellent set of 21 Avenger photos from Tyson V. Rininger

collection is updated with several new photos

 

[Ian33]

Steve Trimble over at the DEW Line has a shocker - The Avenger C is getting its combat debut for a 'mystery customer' in Afghanistan to be flown by the USAF.

 

[crabanero]

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-air-force-orders-general-atomics-avenger-365902/

The US Air Force has ordered the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Predator C Avenger for deployment to Afghanistan. A single aircraft is being procured, marking what may be the type's first order.
Although termed a test aircraft, the order fulfils an urgent request by secretary of defense Leon Panetta for reconnaissance and strike assets. Several untested aircraft and systems have been purchased or deployed under urgent operational requirements, including the Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire Scout currently operating in Afghanistan.
"This aircraft will be used as a test asset and will provide a significantly increased weapons and sensors payload capacity on an aircraft that will be able to fly to targets much more rapidly than the MQ-9 [Reaper] UAS," the USAF said in an announcement. "Since it has an internal weapons bay and four hardpoints on each wing it will also allow greater flexibility and will accommodate a large selection of next generation sensor and weapons payloads."
The request for the aircraft was made earlier in 2011, before the crash of a stealthy Lockheed RQ-170 Sentinel in Iran.

© General Atomics Aeronautical Systems​

Despite being jet powered and heavily modified, the Predator C has a high degree of commonality with similar General Atomics systems that are heavily employed by the Department of Defense, including the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. Specific mention is made of the Predator C's ability to carry a total payload of more than 907kg (2,000lb).
The Predator C, capable of attaining over 400kt (740km/h) and 60,000ft (18,200m), has been flying since 2009 without a customer. A seagoing version, the Sea Avenger, is considered a strong contender for US military programmes, including the navy's unmanned carrier-launched airborne surveillance and strike programme.
Neither the USAF nor General Atomics were immediately available to comment.

 

[Ian33]

Nice - Cannot wait to see the stretched and beefed up production vehicles. IIRC a full 1.5 meter stretch to accomodate internal weapons of a larger nature.

I hope this gets the UKs SCAVENGER money too. IMHO the RAF would be silly not to at least give it a good try out.

 

[bobbymike]

It is programs like these and others (X-47, etc.) that makes me believe that, although I like the airplane, the F-35 will never make its production numbers.

 

[Nik]

Sorry, Crabanero, your post's image was blocked by my firewall due 'duplicate header'...

 

[fightingirish]

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has flown the second jet-powered Predator C, aka Avenger. Tail 2 first flew on Jan 12 at Gray Butte in California and is 4ft longer than the first aircraft, to accommodate larger payloads and more fuel. [...]

Source: Ares Blog - Avenger Redux - Second Predator C Flies posted by Graham Warwick

 

[aero-engineer]

So what are they trying to hide that hasn't already been seen on Tail #1????

aero-engineer

 

[Grey Havoc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-Km2pe0B3o&feature=player_embedded
(h/t The Dane over at MilitaryPhotos.net)

A trifle optimistic, methinks.

 

[Mr London 24/7]

Not a Daily Mail reader myself, but.....:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2620944/The-Avenger-Secretive-Goldeneye-drone-spotted-Mojave-desert.html

 

[LowObservable]

"Not a Daily Mail reader myself, but..."


That's what they all say, Mr L, when you catch them gawking at the Mail's photos, which mostly have something to do with Buttes, albeit not gray ones.


Mind you, that looks like the first one. Catching one of the others would be more interesting.

 

[Mat Parry]

Mind you, that looks like the first one. Catching one of the others would be more interesting.

http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/exclusive-photos-avenger-the-camry-of-advanced-combat-1571300984

... one of the others?

"That said, the aircraft is still incredibly capable, being able to cruise at some 400mph, and up to 60,000 feet depending on the configuration (the second prototype is slightly larger and heavier than the first)".

(Not sure if my link is better or worse than the daily mail)

 

[quellish]

Mind you, that looks like the first one. Catching one of the others would be more interesting.

The stretched ones are flying a lot. They are getting ready to deliver them "soon". You can sit by the old alien jerky stand and watch them all day.

 

[Mr London 24/7]

That's what they all say, Mr L, when you catch them gawking at the Mail's photos, which mostly have something to do with Buttes, albeit not gray ones

....... Bygones!?

 

[Grey Havoc]

https://medium.com/war-is-boring/the-u-s-air-force-was-not-fond-of-the-next-gen-predator-drone-77cb9a3d10b8

 

[kagemusha]

A nice image with specifications.