Predator Drone Specifications

The Predator system was designed in response to a Department of Defence requirement to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information combined with a kill capability to the war-fighter.

In April 1996, the secretary of defence selected the US Air Force as the operating service for the RQ-1 Predator system. The ‘R’ is the Department of Defence (DOD) designation for reconnaissance aircraft. The ‘M’ is the DOD designation for multi-role, and ‘Q’ means unmanned aircraft system. The ‘1’ refers to the aircraft being the first of the series of remotely piloted aircraft systems.

A change in designation from RQ-1 to MQ-1 occurred in 2002 with the addition of the AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. During August 2011, Predator passed its one millionth total development, test, training, and combat hours mark – a significant accomplishment for the US Air Force.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance, and target acquisition

Contractor: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

Power Plant: Rotax 914F four cylinder engine

Thrust: 115 horsepower

Wingspan: 55 feet (16.8 meters)

Length: 27 feet (8.22 meters)

Height: 6.9 feet (2.1 meters)

Weight: 1,130 pounds (512 kilograms) empty

Fuel Capacity: 665 pounds (100 gallons)

Speed: Cruise speed around 84 mph (70 knots), up to 135 mph

Range: Up to 770 miles (675 nautical miles)