GA-ASI Avenger ER sets new flight record
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ (GA-ASI's) Avenger Extended Range (ER) UAS has set a new endurance record by flying for 23.4 consecutive hours, the company announced on 5 April.
The next-generation Avenger ER flew in a representative ISR configuration while carrying out a simulated reconnaissance mission. The flight time reflects a ten hour improvement over the baseline Predator C Avenger aircraft.
The Avenger ER features avionics based upon the Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper, has 3,000lbs payload bay and is capable of flying at over 400kt true air speed. The Avenger is designed to carry payloads such as the all-weather GA-ASI Lynx multi-mode radar and the MS-177 electro-optical/infrared sensor.
The Avenger platform is currently being used as a surrogate for GA-ASI’s proposed MQ-25 platform, including early ground and flight test of the deck handling system, mission specific hardware and software and all flight and mission data links and communications.
With an increased wingspan of 76ft, Avenger ER provides an improved long-loiter ISR and precision-strike capability, supporting a wide array of sensors and weapons payloads. Other improvements include an increase in the maximum gross takeoff weight to 19,500lbs using a co-cured composite centre wing and heavyweight landing gear as well as integration of a dual redundant, light weight brake control capability using a GA-ASI developed lightweight hybrid linear anti-lock brake system.
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