Predator XP UAS validates endurance capabilities
The Predator XP UAS has completed its first endurance flight, as announced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) on 12 February.
The Predator XP is an advanced derivative of the MQ-1 Predator. Its first endurance flight began on 6 February and ended on 8 February, completing over 40 hours of flight time at the GA-ASI Castle Dome flight operations facility in Arizona.
Frank Pace president, aircraft systems, GA-ASI, said: 'This flight was a landmark event for Predator XP in that it truly demonstrated the long-endurance capability of our latest RPA.'
During the flight, the Predator XP production representation aircraft flew at 10,000ft for over 40 hours. The Predator XP is in production and the first aircraft is due to be delivered in 2016. The XP features advanced capabilities including a SATCOM data link, automatic take-off and landing system, full-motion optical and infrared video camera, Lynx multi-mode radar with ground imaging and more.
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