Drones

 The Avenger’s use of a single Pratt & Whitney PW545B series engine of 4,800lbs thrust now evolves the Predator family line substantially. What most differentiates the Avenger from previous Predator UAV offerings is its use of a jet-powered engine and her “stealth” qualities. Her appearance is also more stout and intimidating, a far cry from the fragile stature taken by the earlier MQ-1 and MQ-9 series. The Avenger makes use of an internal bomb bay to help keep its radar signature to a minimum, the first predator variant to use such internal storage. 

Now onto the near future. The MQ-25 stingray. the Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aerial vehicle. The navy has started a contracting competition to four major industry competitors. The competitors are Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and General Atomics. “The MQ-25 will give us the ability to extend the air wing out probably 300 or 400 miles beyond where we typically go. We will be able to do that and sustain a nominal number of airplanes at that distance,” Air Boss Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker.

The Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk. The Global Hawk is powered by a Rolls Royce-North American F137-RR-100 turbofan engine which produces 7,600 pounds of thrust. With a wingspan of 130 feet, length of 47 feet and height of 15 feet. The RQ-4 weighs a total of 14,950 pounds with a maximum take off weight of 32,250 pounds. If you’re worried about the government watching what you do, this is what they would use.

Oof. Those hellfire missiles though.

The MQ-1 Predator. The Predator is powered by a Rotax 914F four cylinder aviation fuel piston engine engine with 115 hp. The Predator has a wingspan of 55 feet, is 27 feet long, 6.9 feet high and carries a payload of up to 450 pounds and has a maximum speed of 135 mph. The MQ-1 will be phased out by the end of 2018 and replaced by the MQ-9.

The MQ-9 Reaper. Bigger and badder than the MQ-1 predator, the reaper is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10GD turboprop engine with 900 shp. The MQ-9 has a wingspan of 66 feet, is 36 feet long, 12.5 feet high, and carries a payload of up to 3,850 pounds and flies at speeds of up to 276 mph.